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

2.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I like my coworkers and my GM is a good .

Cons

The business model and lean staffing is simply unsustainable. Entry level pay, part time, little training, no commissions. Fastenal is focused on the sale rather than the customer. The wing it mentatility leaves customer service lacking. It's a roll coaster of putting one fire out after the other. They sale the position during the interview process but after your in there's empty promises with no real timelines for when the advancement is coming. Upper management seems out of touch with the day to day business. If you ask for help they simply say you have a good schedule. It's extremely disappointing that it has turned out this way because I was excited about the prospect of becoming an Account manager.

See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All