Amazon is a great company to start at. - Software Development Engineer Amazon Employee Review

4.0
Dec 24, 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

-Competitive offers (not the best, but still well above average) -Many of the teams have a similar feel to a start up -It is in Seattle (I have mixed feelings about this) -The people here are smart and motivated -Has a kind of "hands off" management style, at least where I work. The mentality is that as long as I get my work done appropriately, all is good. -You can go from team to team, department to department, and continuously learn new things. You can jump from low end server management to high end app development for example. -The company is going places both from a financial sense (have you looked at their stock recently and its trend?) and a technology sense -The teams are generally kept small and for my team at least, leads to better communication

Cons

-With some teams, work life balance is horrible. This is not all teams however, mostly the ones that manage the website directly and are responsible for keeping various services up and running. I have seen it both ways. -It is in Seattle (I have mixed feelings about this) -It can be difficult at times to get recognized for your hard work even if you go above and beyond the call of duty (please note I have not personally experiences this. Rather, it is a conclusion I have reached based off of my interactions with others and what I have seen) -Team culture and work life balance varies from "I want to get out of here" to "I absolutely love it here and can't imagine myself anywhere else" I understand that this happens in many different companies, but I wish Amazon would work more to normalize this spectrum.

Explore other reviews about Amazon

5.0
May 28, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Competitive hourly pay in many locations Benefits may include health insurance and tuition assistance Flexible scheduling options at some warehouses Opportunities for overtime and extra pay Entry-level job with minimal experience required

Cons

Physically demanding work with long hours standing or lifting Fast-paced environment with strict productivity targets Repetitive tasks can become tiring Work schedules may include nights, weekends, or holidays High stress during peak shopping seasons like holidays

5.0
Jan 10, 2016
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Really smart people, a lot of opportunity for growth, always encouraged to be innovative, think big, and create something new. Competitive salary and benefits with other major tech companies. 100% self motivating work environment. No dress code and 4 legged friends are welcome.

Cons

You have to be self motivated. NO ONE will hold your hand and tell you that you're doing a great job. If you need constant affirmations from management, this company isn't for you.

3159
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