1

Brakeman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Use two-way hand-held radios with remote microphone and brakeman's lantern. * Wear the necessary safety equipment including but not limited to hardhats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

EMT/MEDIC

Narrows, VA

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting ...

Industrial EMT/FIRE FIGHTER

Narrows, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

EMT/MEDIC

Narrows, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

EMT/MEDIC

Narrows, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Industrial EMT/FIRE FIGHTER

Narrows, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Mechanic Operator

Edison, NJ · On-site

$27.67 - $41/hr

Acts as switchman and brakeman when moving and spotting cars. 8. Placing and removing from operation, dismantling, cleaning, and reassembling meters, burner and pilot systems, tubes, drums, and ...

New

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting ...

Industrial EMT/FIRE FIGHTER

Narrows, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Industrial EMT/FIRE FIGHTER

Narrows, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

EMT/MEDIC/FIRE FIGHTER

Narrows, VA · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... brakeman, security gate guard, brush hogging, etc. * Perform other duties as required. Brown & Root Industrial Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive ...

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting ...

Showing results 41-59

Brakeman information

See salary details

$5

$15

$34

How much do brakeman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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.

What is a brakeman?

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 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 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 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.

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. The role often requires working long hours and safety certifications, with pay increasing with seniority and additional responsibilities.
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:

Infographic showing various Brakeman job openings in the United States 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 $33,085 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

Railroad Service Technician

AK Steel

Cleveland, OH

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Location: Cleveland, OH

Cleveland-Cliffs Cleveland Works is accepting applications for Service Technician positions for the Cleveland Works Railroad.


Summary of Responsibilities

  • Apply/remove handbrakes on freight equipment.

  • Operate switch stands.

  • Mount and dismount standing equipment from appropriate ladders, grab irons, and sill steps of railroad equipment.

  • Use two-way hand-held radios with remote microphone and brakeman's lantern.

  • Wear the necessary safety equipment including but not limited to hardhats, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots.

  • Process work orders, customer issues, various freight car types, hazardous material handling, distinguish color signals aspects, and familiar with Hours of Service regulations for Railroad Employees, Railroad Communications, and Railroad Operating Practices. Safe movement of the locomotives and freight cars will be dependent upon the successful candidate's knowledge and judgment.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent from an accredited school.

  • Valid driver's license.

  • Excellent communication skills, highly motivated and willing to work in a self-directed team environment with minimal supervision and direction.

  • Excellent work attendance record, willing to report to work as scheduled, flexibility to work overtime as needed or directed.

  • Must be willing to perform shift work, including rotating shifts, weekends, and holidays; Shift work may encompass 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts.

  • Willing to work in a variety of different indoor and outdoor environments including very hot, cold and/or noisy surroundings, and at heights and catwalks, including see-through metal gratings. Work environments include exposure to different types of industrial working conditions including steam hazards.

  • Prior experience in an industrial/manufacturing environment or military experience.

  • Applicants for this position must be currently legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

Preferred Qualifications

  • 1 year experience working as a conductor with a valid Conductor's Certificate per CFR title 49 part 242.

  • Excellent communication skills, be highly motivated and willing to work in a self-directed team environment with minimal supervision and direction.


Railroad employees are subjected to all weather conditions, including extreme heat conditions within a steel plant environment. Rail movements interface with blast furnaces and include moving hot metal bottles and cast steel slabs
Successful candidates must be willing to work under these conditions and work rotating shifts including weekends/holidays, while performing at all hours of the day or night.
Successfully pass a drug screen and background check and must pass a physical exam prior to starting employment, including but not limited to the FRA urine drug screen.
Union Membership: Cleveland-Cliffs has a contract with the United Steelworkers that requires each employee hired into this position to join the Union.
Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is the largest flat-rolled steel company and the largest iron ore pellet producer in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials, direct reduced iron, and ferrous scrap to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. We offer an excellent total compensation package including competitive pay with variable compensation opportunity, health insurance, retirement plan, education assistance, paid time off and more.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail tocareers@clevelandcliffs.comor call 1-(312) 899-3097 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Do not email your application materials to this email address. Application materials sent to this email address will not be considered.

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. is an equal opportunity employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability. We are a drug-free workplace and conduct pre-employment screening as a condition of employment.


AK Steel logo

About AK Steel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AK Steel is a leading producer of flat-rolled carbon, stainless, and electrical steel products in the United States. With a rich heritage spanning over a century, AK Steel is known for its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction. AK Steel's product portfolio encompasses a wide range of steel solutions tailored to meet the needs of various industries, including automotive, construction, appliances, electrical, and packaging. The advanced manufacturing facilities and state-of-the-art technologies enable AK Steel to produce high-quality steel products that meet stringent specifications and performance requirements.

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

West Chester, OH, US

Year founded

1899

Social media