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Commission Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Railcar Switch Operator Do you enjoy working outdoors and climbing railcars? Are you detail ... Manually knuckle and un-knuckle rail cars, climb on and off rail cars, and assist in re-railing ...

Railcar Switch Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Railcar Switch Operator Do you enjoy working outdoors and climbing railcars? Are you detail ... Manually knuckle and un-knuckle rail cars, climb on and off rail cars, and assist in re-railing ...

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-;5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-;5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction ...

Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars ... rail operations positions. Schedule Day shift Overtime and weekend work may be required based on ...

Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant Rail Movement adhering to Quantix Rail Operating Procedures and Safety Rules. * Communicate about any ...

Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant Rail Movement adhering to Quantix Rail Operating Procedures and Safety Rules. * Communicate about any ...

Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant Rail Movement adhering to A&R Rail Operating Procedures and Safety Rules. * Communicate about any ...

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Cincinnati, OH to support daily rail operations at an industrial facility. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role ...

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Commission Rail Switch Operator information

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$19

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How much do commission rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for commission rail switch operator in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs often include roles such as railroad managers, signal maintainers, and locomotive engineers, with salaries reaching six figures depending on experience and location. Specialized positions requiring technical skills, certifications, and safety training tend to offer higher compensation within the industry.

How to become a railroad switch operator?

To become a railroad switch operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Knowledge of safety procedures, communication skills, and the ability to operate control systems are essential; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the region. Physical stamina and the ability to work in various weather conditions are also important.

How hard is it to become a train operator?

Becoming a Commission Rail Switch Operator typically requires completing a training program that covers safety procedures, operational skills, and regulatory requirements. Candidates often need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some positions may require prior experience or certification in railroad operations. The process involves on-the-job training and passing assessments to ensure safety and competence.

What is the difference between Commission Rail Switch Operator vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectCommission Rail Switch OperatorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areasRailway tracks, signal systems
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight yardsRailroad companies, transit agencies

The Commission Rail Switch Operator primarily focuses on operating switches to direct train movements within rail yards, while the Signal Maintainer is responsible for maintaining and repairing signaling systems. Both roles are essential in railway operations, often working in similar environments, but they require different skill sets and certifications. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the railway industry.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

A Commission Rail Switch Operator typically does not earn $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are rare and usually associated with specialized roles like high-level executives, certain consulting positions, or skilled trades with significant experience. Most jobs paying this amount daily require advanced skills, certifications, or ownership of a business, rather than standard employment roles.
What cities are hiring for Commission Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Commission Rail Switch Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switch Operator jobs? The most popular types of Rail Switch Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Commission Rail Switch Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Commission Rail Switch Operator jobs include:
Railcar Switch Operator

Railcar Switch Operator

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA

$68K - $78K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Gerdau rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 521 rated manufacturers


Job description

Railcar Switch Operator

Do you enjoy working outdoors and climbing railcars? Are you detail-oriented, a problem solver, and have a safety mindset? Do you want to work in a rugged and exciting environment? Join us in our cultural and digital transformation to build the future and the Gerdau We Are Creating. 

$68000 to $78000 / year which includes hourly rate of $21.16 hr and after 90 days $24.60 hr, biweekly production bonus, shift premiums, and 354 annual hours of scheduled overtime.

We Have: 

  • A strong global presence with mini-mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the automotive industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.    

  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.  

  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability. 

  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology. 

We Offer:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire 
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account) 
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6% 
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance 
  • Bonuses 
  • Health Advocate Services 
  • Employee Assistance Program 
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program 
  • Career Path System and Training 
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create 

Your Qualifications: 

  • Basic computer and math skills. 
  • Mobile equipment operation experience.
  • Basic mechanical skills.
  • Ability to work with limited supervision.
  • Flexibility to work a 12 hour rotating schedule days, nights and two consecutive weekends a month. 

Your Purpose:

Your primary responsibility will be for safety at all times. You will be responsible for proper track alignment, planning, and positioning the railcars in the yard. You will be inspecting the railcars land track throughout the day.  Also, loading prepared ferrous materials into the railcars. 

  • Engage and disengage track switches to switch cars for loading, unloading, making up or breaking up of trains. 
  • Manually knuckle and un-knuckle rail cars, climb on and off rail cars, and assist in re-railing derailed rail cars. 
  • Operate scale system via computer and maintain weigh-ticket files while checking for accuracy of scale and related systems. 
  • Perform a visual inspection of vendor scrap to confirm grades of different types of raw materials and inspect each load for non-conformities.
  • Monitor weigh-tickets for accuracy of inventory movement charge numbers. 
  • Maintain communication with the locomotive operator by radio and hand signals. 
  • Safety for Rail Contractors making on-site repairs.
  • Spot, determine areas of concern on track, gauging issues, broken track, frogs, etc.
  • Cleaning and repairing of switches (shimming, butterflies, etc.)
  • Repair of run-through switches.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and activity.

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.
  • Ability to reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
  • Ability to operate hand controls with both hands and foot pedals with both feet.
  • Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching.
  • Ability to work in all environmental weather conditions which includes rain, sleet, snow, heat, humidity, and sun.
  • Ability to work in cramped quarters and at heights.
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including days, nights and weekends.
  • Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.
  • Ability to ride railcars.
  • Ability to climb and hold on to railcar using 3 points of contact.
  • Ability to work around hazardous materials.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status. 

 

If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com


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