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American Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Traveling Railroad Carman

Burnet, TX ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

... American provider of rail-related services, including terminal operations, railcar inspection and repair, and field maintenance. We are committed to safety, quality, employee development, and ...

Traveling Railroad Carman

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

... American provider of rail-related services, including terminal operations, railcar inspection and repair, and field maintenance. We are committed to safety, quality, employee development, and ...

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American Railroad information

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$18

$31

$54

How much do american railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for american railroad in the United States is $31.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railroad Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical fitness, and attention to safety, often supported by a high school diploma and specialized on-the-job training. Familiarity with railroad operations, track inspection tools, signaling systems, and sometimes commercial driver's licenses or certifications are important. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills help workers coordinate safely and efficiently. These competencies are crucial for maintaining safe rail operations, minimizing accidents, and ensuring the timely movement of goods and passengers.

What is the difference between American Railroad vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectAmerican RailroadLocomotive Engineer
CertificationsVaries by position, often requires safety and operational trainingRequires locomotive engineer license, safety certifications, and training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, stations, officesLocomotive cabs, rail yards, on-track operations
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger servicesOperating trains, ensuring safety and adherence to schedules
Common Search/ComparisonAmerican RailroadLocomotive Engineer

The American Railroad encompasses a broad range of roles within the rail industry, including operations, maintenance, and management. In contrast, a Locomotive Engineer specifically refers to the individual responsible for operating trains. While both roles are integral to rail transportation, the American Railroad is a general industry term, whereas the Locomotive Engineer is a specialized position requiring specific licenses and operational skills.

What are American railroad workers and what do they do?

American railroad workers are professionals who operate trains, maintain tracks and equipment, and ensure the safe and efficient transportation of goods and passengers across the country's extensive rail network. Their roles can include conductors, engineers, yardmasters, and maintenance crew, each responsible for specific aspects of railway operations. These workers play a crucial role in the logistics and transportation sector, helping to move freight, commuters, and tourists. The railroad industry is known for its emphasis on safety, teamwork, and adherence to strict schedules.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working in American railroad operations?

Employees in American railroad operations often face challenges such as working irregular hours, adapting to changes in weather conditions, and maintaining strict safety standards. The work environment can involve physically demanding tasks and requires constant vigilance to ensure the safe transport of goods and passengers. Additionally, collaboration with dispatchers, engineers, and maintenance crews is essential, making strong communication skills important for preventing delays and accidents.

How hard is it to get hired by the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean background check, and physical fitness. Candidates often need to pass drug tests and may require certifications such as safety training or operating licenses, with competition varying by region and position.

What jobs pay $4000 a week without a degree?

In the railroad industry, roles such as experienced train conductors or maintenance supervisors can sometimes earn around $4,000 weekly, especially with extensive experience and certifications. These positions often require specialized skills, on-the-job training, and a strong understanding of safety protocols, but may not always require a college degree.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs are typically executive roles such as railroad presidents or chief executives, with salaries often exceeding several hundred thousand dollars annually. Among operational roles, locomotive engineers and signal managers also earn high salaries, especially with experience and specialized skills. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and company size.

How much does American Track pay?

American Railroad track workers typically earn an average hourly wage ranging from $20 to $30, depending on experience and location. Salaries can vary based on the specific role, such as track maintenance or inspection, and may include benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.
More about American Railroad jobs
What cities are hiring for American Railroad jobs? Cities with the most American Railroad job openings:
What states have the most American Railroad jobs? States with the most job openings for American Railroad jobs include:
What job categories do people searching American Railroad jobs look for? The top searched job categories for American Railroad jobs are:
Infographic showing various American Railroad job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,161 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Railroad Project Superintendent - Rail Grinding & Milling

Railroad Project Superintendent - Rail Grinding & Milling

Plasser American Corp

Chesapeake, VA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Some see the railway as transportation, while at Plasser American we see it as transformation. The story of how steel tracks turned the American promise into American progress and forged a trusted pathway to the possibilities of the future. Itโ€™s a story that continues today, an American legacy unfolding mile by mile. There is a lot riding on those tracks and we know that support, quality and know-how are all important aspects in staying on track.

Thatโ€™s why the Plasser American tradition begins with a promise. A promise to do things right. An unapologetic commitment to quality that makes us the longtime trusted leader in cutting edge American made innovations for the North American railway. Itโ€™s a promise to see things differently to turn ordinary steel into safer passages. To be a partner that you can count on to engineer solutions for the challenges of today and for the opportunities of tomorrow. From research and design, expert manufacturing and delivering unapparelled services, our customers trust us to keep them ahead of the curve.

Progress is about more than getting from Point A to Point B. Itโ€™s knowing you have a trusted foundation to move you forward toward new possibilities waiting around the corner. Join Plasser American to become part of our team forging ahead towards new opportunities in railway maintenance. The railway is a path to the future, choose this path and apply today.


Title: Railroad Project Superintendent โ€“ Rail Grinding & Milling

Travel Schedule: 3 weeks in field / 1 week home (Subject to change)

Territory Covered: North America

Job Duties: Oversee and manage numerous rail grinding and rail milling teams, which includes

          • Approving expenses
          • Approving payroll
          • Scheduling rotations
          • Participating in hiring of new team members

Basic understanding of rail treatment

          • Identify rail surface defects (spalling, corrugation, engine burns)
          • Understanding of how track geometry and track substructure plays a role in development of rail surface conditions
          • Assess and/or survey rail condition and develop long term rail treatment plan
          • Provide input to the development of the annual budget and oversees cost control for the rail grinding and milling programs
          • Knowledge and can explain difference between rail grinding and rail milling
          • Knowledge and can explain when to perform rail grinding and when to perform rail milling
          • Basic knowledge of rail grinding and rail milling operations
            • Operational set-up (grinders, watch trucks, final patrol)
            • Complete on-site inspections and audits of equipment
            • Must know already or will learn how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot rail grinding and milling equipment

General Qualities: Individual with at least 5-7 years railways experience in the railway Engineering Department

Familiarity with grinding and milling practices and procedures common to the industry

Coordinating/influencing skills

Strong communicator across multiple functions

Required to be on call on a regular basis outside of normal business hours and workdays

Proficient with a computer, (Microsoft Office)

Already has or is able to obtain a Passport

Ability to obtain an e-RailSafe card


Benefits:

  • Accrue 80 Hours of Paid Time Off during your first year of employment
  • 10 Paid Holidays per year
  • 401(k) match of $0.50 for every $1.00 you contribute up to 6% of your salary
  • You may receive a merit bonus after completion of the audit at the end of the fiscal year
  • Free Short and Long Term Disability after 90 days of employment
  • Free Life Insurance โ€“ 2 times your annual salary
  • Company Events
  • Free employee medical and dental coverage on Day 1


About Plasser American:

As part of the Plasser family brand, which is the largest Maintenance of Way equipment provider in the world, PAC is a rapidly growing provider of railway equipment in North America. Continuing for the next few years, PAC will continue to make significant investments in the North American Market including a new office building and a substantial addition to our manufacturing facility. PAC is making the needed investments to continue its growth trajectory for many years to come. The next several years will be an exciting time of transformation. We look to the future to enhance our team and achieve our goals.