Don't. Just. Don't. - Machine Operator Fastenal Employee Review

1.0
Jul 19, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Eventually the shift will end.

Cons

Pay was low. Benefits were expensive. Resources were almost nonexistent. Training was trial and error. Management were buffoons. The machines are (literally) 100 years old and not well maintained. This was not a good place to learn to become a proper machinist. Inspection standards were a joke. Quality didn't matter as long as you produced numbers. Overtime was paid on a weird schedule--two weeks or more after you worked it.

Explore other reviews about Fastenal

5.0
Apr 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good job to have during college. People are easy going and easy to get along with. Overall really good experience

Cons

Gets repetitive after a while

3.0
Jun 27, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Lots of responsibility. Decentralized company, which can work in your favor.

Cons

Pay is low based on competitors. Politics, lots of it. Cost-centers everywhere. Everyone has to make money off the branches: the hub, NA, regions, support, etc. Being a GM is probably one of the hardest jobs. Your job on the lean team is to support NA and the branch. It is hard to fully support both at the same time. It is a balancing act that frequently is blamed on you. Frequently, your coworkers just want to put their name on your work and create problems because of their egos.

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