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Brakeman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Amrize

Rail Brakeman

Harpers Ferry, WV

Rail Brakeman ABOUT THE ROLE Amrize, a leading supplier of quality, construction building materials in the United States, has an immediate opening for a Rail Brakeman to support the Aggregate ...

Amrize

Rail Brakeman

Harpers Ferry, WV · On-site

Rail Brakeman ABOUT THE ROLE Amrize, a leading supplier of quality, construction building materials in the United States, has an immediate opening for a Rail Brakeman to support the Aggregate ...

ConGlobal

Switcher/Brakeman

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$32.06/hr

ConGlobal is the go-to expert for multimodal, industrial terminal operations. ConGlobal has been firmly planted in the intermodal industry for more than half a century. From the time Malcom McLean ...

Shinola Hotel

Pastry Cook

Detroit, MI

$17.25 - $21/hr

Chef Andrew Carmellini and The Shinola Hotel are seeking a dedicated Pastry Cook to join a great family of restaurants located in the hotel, including San Morello, The Brakeman, Penny Red's and ...

Shinola Hotel

Pastry Cook

Detroit, MI

$17.25 - $21/hr

Chef Andrew Carmellini and The Shinola Hotel are seeking a dedicated Pastry Cook to join a great family of restaurants located in the hotel, including San Morello, The Brakeman, Penny Red's and ...

ConGlobal

Railroad Switcher/Brakeman

Edgerton, KS · On-site

$29.12/hr

Launch Your Career with ConGlobal ConGlobal is hiring immediately for a key role in our global supply chain operations. Whether you're looking to grow your career or gain new skills, this role offers ...

Lafayette

Line Cook

New York, NY

$17 - $20/hr

... Brakeman, Penny Red's, Gilly's Clubhouse, Saksey's, Carne Mare, Café Carmellini and The Portrait Bar. The team actively runs food and beverage operations in five hotels, including The Greenwich ...

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Brakeman information

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How much do brakeman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for brakeman in the United States is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a train brakeman make?

A train brakeman typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often work in shifts and need safety certifications and knowledge of rail operations.

What are brakemen?

Brakemen are railroad workers responsible for assisting with the operation and safety of trains. Traditionally, their main duty was to operate the brakes on individual railroad cars, especially before automatic air brakes were standard. Today, brakemen typically help with coupling and uncoupling train cars, inspecting equipment, and ensuring the safe movement of trains in rail yards or during transit. They often work closely with conductors and engineers to coordinate train movements and handle switching duties. The job requires attention to safety, physical stamina, and knowledge of railroad operations.

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

To thrive as a Brakeman, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety protocols, and the physical fitness to perform manual tasks, often acquired through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with signaling devices, hand tools, and communication systems like radios is typically required. Attention to detail, strong teamwork, and situational awareness are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe train operations, prevent accidents, and support efficient rail transportation.

What are some of the common challenges faced by a Brakeman in daily operations?

Brakemen often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, maintaining safety while moving between rail cars, and staying alert during long or irregular shifts. Effective communication with conductors and engineers is essential to ensure smooth operations and prevent accidents. Adapting quickly to schedule changes and following strict safety protocols are crucial aspects of the job, making attention to detail and physical stamina important for success.

What is the job of a brakeman?

A brakeman is a railway worker responsible for assisting with train operations, including coupling and uncoupling cars, inspecting equipment, and ensuring safety during switching and yard work. The role requires knowledge of safety procedures, communication skills, and often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A brakeman, typically working in railroads, can earn around $4,000 weekly with experience and overtime, often without requiring a college degree. Other high-paying jobs without degrees include commercial truck drivers, sales managers, and certain skilled trades like electricians or plumbers, which may require certifications or apprenticeships. These roles often involve physically demanding work, specialized skills, or certifications but do not necessarily require a college degree to start.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the US, high-paying roles such as senior executives, specialized surgeons, and successful entrepreneurs can earn $500,000 or more annually. Certain highly skilled professions like pilots, investment bankers, and tech executives also reach this level, often requiring advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Brakeman vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectBrakemanSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications often required
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, maintenance facilitiesRailway tracks, signal systems, maintenance shops
Industry UsageRailroad companies, transit agenciesRailroad companies, transit agencies
Common Search/ComparisonBrakeman vs Signal Maintainer

Brakemen and Signal Maintainers both work in the railroad industry, focusing on safety and maintenance. Brakemen primarily handle train safety, coupling, and emergency procedures, while Signal Maintainers focus on maintaining and repairing signal systems. Both roles require safety training and certifications, often working in similar environments. The main difference lies in their specific responsibilities: Brakemen ensure train safety during operations, whereas Signal Maintainers ensure the proper functioning of signaling systems to prevent accidents.

More about Brakeman jobs
Who are the top companies hiring for Brakeman jobs? The top employers for Brakeman jobs are:
What states have the most Brakeman jobs? States with the most job openings for Brakeman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Brakeman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Brakeman jobs are:
Brakeman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Brakeman job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, and 16% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $33,085 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Rail Brakeman

Amrize

Harpers Ferry, WV

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Location: Millville Agg WV
Job Req ID: 16827


Join our amazing team and contribute as a:

Rail Brakeman
 

ABOUT THE ROLE

Amrize, a leading supplier of quality, construction building materials in the United States, has  an immediate opening for a Rail Brakeman to support the Aggregate Production Operations at our Millville, WV Quarry.  The Rail Brakeman is responsible for supporting the safe and efficient movement, positioning, loading, and unloading of railcars while operating heavy equipment to transport, stockpile, and load aggregate materials throughout the quarry. This role works closely with locomotive crews, plant operators, and quarry personnel to ensure safe rail operations, maintain production efficiency, and comply with all company safety policies, MSHA regulations, and railroad operating procedures.

WHAT YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH

  • Safely operate and assist with railcar movements, including switching, coupling, uncoupling, and positioning railcars throughout the quarry and loading areas.
  • Operate heavy equipment, such as loaders, excavators, or other quarry equipment, to support material handling, loading, stockpiling, and daily production needs.
  • Inspect railcars, tracks, switches, and related equipment before operations to identify safety hazards, damage, or maintenance concerns.
  • Coordinate with locomotive operators, plant personnel, and supervisors using radios and hand signals to safely direct rail movements.
  • Operate track switches, hand brakes, and rail equipment to ensure proper placement of railcars for loading and unloading.
  • Assist with loading aggregate materials into railcars while ensuring proper positioning, weight distribution, and safe operating procedures are followed.
  • Perform routine equipment inspections and report mechanical issues, unsafe conditions, or operational concerns to management.
  • Maintain accurate records of rail movements, inspections, equipment checks, and daily activities.
  • Perform general quarry labor duties, including housekeeping, material handling, and assisting maintenance teams as needed.
  • Follow all MSHA regulations, company safety policies, and railroad operating procedures while maintaining a strong commitment to workplace safety.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to communicating, improving and adhering to health, safety and environmental policies in all work environments and areas. Promote a culture of safety and exhibit these behaviors.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent
  • Required Work Experience: Minimum of 1-3 years of experience working in a quarry, mining, railroad, construction, or heavy industrial environment preferred.
  • Previous experience in a quarry, mining, railroad, construction, or heavy industrial environment preferred.
  • Experience operating heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, dozers, or other material-handling equipment.
  • Ability to safely operate heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, or other material-handling equipment.
  • Strong understanding of rail operations, including railcar movement, switching, coupling, and uncoupling procedures.
  • Experience working around heavy equipment, moving machinery, and active production environments.
  • Strong commitment to workplace safety and ability to follow MSHA regulations, company policies, and operating procedures.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with locomotive operators, equipment operators, and plant personnel using radios and hand signals.
  • Mechanical aptitude with the ability to perform basic equipment inspections and identify potential safety or maintenance concerns.
  • Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and perform physically demanding tasks, including climbing, lifting, and walking on uneven terrain.
  • Dependable team player with strong attention to detail, good judgment, and the ability to work independently in a fast-paced quarry environment.

Additional Requirements:

  • Successful candidates must adhere to all safety protocols and proper use of Amrize approved Personal Protection Equipment ("PPE"), including but not limited to respirators. Employees that are required to wear respirators must be clean shaven where the respirator seal meets the face in order to pass the qualitative and quantitative fit tests.

WHAT WE OFFER

  • Competitive salary
  • Retirement Savings: Choose from 401(k) pre-tax and/or Roth after-tax savings
  • Medical, Dental, Disability and Life Insurance  
  • Holistic Health & Well-being programs
  • Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) & Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) for health and dependent care
  • Vision and other Voluntary benefits and discounts
  • Paid time off & paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave (maternity & paternity)
  • Educational Assistance Program
  • Dress for your day


 

Did we spark your interest? Build your future with us and apply!

HR Contact: Shaunta MACKELL

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