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Apprentice Railway information

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$10

$19

$27

How much do apprentice railway jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for apprentice railway in California is $19.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $20.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an apprentice railway?

An Apprentice Railway is an entry-level position in the rail industry where individuals receive on-the-job training and classroom instruction to learn various skills needed for railway operations. Apprentices work under the supervision of experienced professionals and may be involved in tasks such as track maintenance, signaling, or train operations, depending on the specific apprenticeship program. This role is designed to help apprentices gain the knowledge and practical experience required to advance to qualified railway positions after completing the program.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an apprentice railway?

To thrive as an Apprentice Railway, you need a basic understanding of mechanical and electrical systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railway-specific tools, safety protocols, and industry certifications such as Personal Track Safety (PTS) are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for learning and collaborating safely on-site. These skills ensure safe operations, quality maintenance, and smooth career progression within the railway industry.

What kind of support and mentorship can apprentice railway workers expect during their training period?

As an Apprentice Railway worker, you can expect to receive structured support through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Most railway companies assign experienced mentors or supervisors to guide apprentices, ensuring you gain hands-on experience in safety procedures, equipment handling, and daily maintenance tasks. Regular feedback sessions and skills assessments are common, helping you track your progress and address any challenges early on. This supportive environment is designed to build your confidence and competence as you advance toward a full-time railway position.

What is the difference between Apprentice Railway vs Railway Technician?

AspectApprentice RailwayRailway Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingTechnical diploma or certification; specialized training
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, railway yards, on-site supervisionMaintenance facilities, on-site repairs, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageRailway companies during training phaseRailway companies, maintenance depots, repair shops

In summary, an Apprentice Railway is in the training phase, gaining foundational skills and certifications, while a Railway Technician is a more experienced professional responsible for maintenance and repairs. The apprenticeship prepares individuals for a career as a Railway Technician, with the main difference being experience level and job responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Railway jobs in California?

The most popular types of Railway jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Apprentice Railway jobs in California?

For Apprentice Railway jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Apprentice Railway jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Apprentice Railway jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Apprentice Railway jobs?

Cities in California with the most Apprentice Railway job openings:

Apprentice Railway jobs near you
Infographic showing various Apprentice Railway job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,740 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice

Drummac, Inc.

San Luis Obispo, CA • On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

COMPANY DESCRIPTION:

Drummac, Inc. is an integrated railroad services company that specializes in providing mechanical and janitorial services to the transportation industry. With operations located across the United States, the services we perform range in scope from routine mechanical maintenance, inspections, repairs, audits, cleaning, and specialty railroad services to providing equipment and supplies for the transportation industry with a niche in passenger rail. We provide these services using in-house resources, which enables us to provided best-in-class quality control.

JOB SUMMARY:

A Mechanical Apprentice, known at Drummac as Qualified Person (QP) must be able to work in compliance while maintaining and repairing passenger rail cars and locomotives while working under the supervision of our Passenger Rail Mechanic. They must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and safety protocols, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs air brake inspection of passenger cars, private cars and have knowledge of air brake systems
  • Performs locomotive daily inspection; able to troubleshoot and handle repair/replacement of parts
  • Troubleshoots passenger cars including but not limited to toilet systems, air conditioning systems, doors, panels, lights, electrical systems and brake systems along with making any necessary repairs
  • Ability to fill out regulatory, client and Company-required paperwork
  • Performs necessary electrical tests, removes, disassembles, replaces, repairs, modifies, rebuilds, assembles, adjusts, and maintains batteries and all electrical equipment or components on locomotives
  • Communicates written and/or verbal findings of inspections to Supervisor
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call is required
  • Flexible schedule to accommodate dynamic train schedules
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement work conditions is required
  • Wears and uses required protective equipment while working
  • Takes responsibility for own safety while on the job
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Requires High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent reading, writing and reasoning skills
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Trade school or formal railroad locomotive or diesel mechanical maintenance training required.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical or locomotive electrical or industrial heavy equipment mechanical experience is required.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment screening process.

Hourly rate range for Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice candidates in San Luis Obispo, California: $25-$27. Actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on multiple factors which include relevant skills and experience. In addition to hourly wage, full-time employees will be offered the following benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Short-Term Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Newly hired employees will accrue PTO at a rate of 1 hour for every 30 worked

Drummac is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Drummac is an Equal Opportunity Employer.