Does Watco Companies pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Watco Companies employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.4 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Watco Companies. This rating has decreased by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Watco Companies?

66% of Watco Companies employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Watco Companies 3.5 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.5 for culture and values and 3.5 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Watco Companies?

Railroad Conductor (12) , Conductor (10) , Operator (10) , Manager (9) , Engineer (6) , Switchman (6) , Customer Service Representative (5) , Account Manager (4) , Locomotive Engineer (4) , Locomotive Engineer/Conductor (4) , Safety Manager (3) , Supervisor (3) , Account and Administrative Coordinator (2) , Accountant (2) , Analyst (2)

What are the pros of working at Watco Companies according to real employee reviews?

"Good Benefits such as retirement" ((in 28 reviews)); "Good people to work with" ((in 22 reviews)); "They actually care about ALL team members" ((in 7 reviews)); "When there is no barges then it's laid back in the shade doing nothing easy money and the crew are all good guys that got each other's backs" ((in 7 reviews)); "friendly work environment" ((in 6 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Watco Companies according to real employee reviews?

"Poor management more concerned about whose butt to kiss then actually managing crews." ((in 28 reviews)); "Upper management has lost touch with their sites and only concerned with spending." ((in 11 reviews)); "6 different managers in the last 3 years." ((in 7 reviews)); "Long hours, but it is railroading afterall" ((in 6 reviews)); "And to top it all the pay is terrible and they will not give you a raise unless you are a senior employee." ((in 5 reviews))

What are employees saying about Watco Companies layoffs in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Watco Companies layoffs and their outlook for job security at Watco Companies in 2026.

What are the top reviewed Watco Companies locations?

Pittsburg , Houston , Overland Park , Wichita , Kansas City , Birmingham , Madison , Osceola , Springdale , Tioga , Tuscaloosa , Oklahoma City , Toledo , Baton Rouge , Ferndale , Cherryvale , Linden , Wood River , Janesville , Tulsa , Hawesville , Wright , Austin , Freeport , Belle , Whiting , Keenesburg , Minden , Fitzgerald , Newark

Watco Companies reviews

3.5

66% would recommend to a friend

(286 total reviews)

Dan Smith

77% approve of CEO

61% positive business outlook

Company ratings over time

Ratings trend for the last 6 months (286 reviews)

Ratings by demographic groups

Race / Ethnicity

Gender

Sexual orientation

Disability

Parent or family caregiver

Veteran status

Watco Companies has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 286 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Watco Companies employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Transportation & Logistics industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

286 reviews

2.0

Dec 20, 2016

Administrative Assistsnt

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Co workers were the best part of working there. team member supports and and over suggestions to each other. Work on your own.

Cons

Brought in upper management from outside company, many who had no experience within industry. It is a matter of good old boys club. Everyone is afraid of losing job.

Watco Companies Response

9y

We appreciate you taking the time to provide us your feedback. If you'd be willing to help us continue to get better, please email us at peopleservices@watocompanies.com, as we'd appreciate any additional information you're willing to provide. Thanks again.

4.0

Nov 21, 2016

Good crew and good job

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Good crew with mostly good managment. Would recommend.

Cons

You never know what's going on day to day until right before it happens

Watco Companies Response

9y

Thank you for taking the time to provide a review. We are glad to hear that you would recommend Watco!

4.0

Oct 26, 2016

A good company with a lack of mature business management

Anonymous employee

Recommend

CEO approval

Business Outlook

Pros

Exciting environment with a good combination of work/life balance. In many ways an innovative environment with an old school feel. The customer is first, and the company lives by that motto.

Cons

With the old school feel sometimes comes decisions are not based on full evidence or realistic expectations which gets both in the way of possible innovations and long term sustainable management.

Watco Companies Response

9y

We appreciate the feedback. Thank you.

Viewing 235 - 237 of 286 Reviews

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Jobs at Watco Companies

Switchman - McIntosh, AL

Deckhand - New Johnsonville, TN

Switchman - Sheridan, WY

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS

Conductor - Winfield, KS

Watco Companies

Watco Companies reviews

Company ratings over time

Ratings by demographic groups

Reviews by job title

Administrative Assistsnt

Good crew and good job

A good company with a lack of mature business management

Top companies for "Compensation and Benefits" near you

Jobs at Watco Companies