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Commission Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Martin Marietta Materials

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety ...

Marmon

Rail Switching Technician- Marion, OH

Marion, OH

$25 - $27/hr

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 ...

Twin Eagle

Rail Operator

Douglas, WY · On-site

The Rail Operator oversees all functions of the rail operations and assists with loading and ... This position is responsible for safely switching railcars in the yard, safe train movement, and ...

Marmon

Lake Charles- Operator Helper (Rail)

Sulphur, LA

$22 - $25/hr

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and ...

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Commission Rail Switch Operator information

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$5

$19

$26

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

As of Jul 22, 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.

How much do BNSF switchman make?

BNSF switchmen, also known as rail switch operators, typically earn an average hourly wage of around $25 to $35, which can translate to approximately $50,000 to $70,000 annually for full-time work. Compensation varies based on experience, location, and union agreements, and the role often requires working in outdoor environments with shift schedules.

How to become a switch operator?

To become a commission rail switch operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship. Knowledge of railway safety procedures, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a noisy, outdoor environment are important. Some positions may require certification or licensing depending on regional regulations.

How to become a train switch operator?

To become a train switch operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Some positions require knowledge of railway safety protocols, signaling systems, and the use of specialized tools, with certifications often preferred or required by employers.

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 is a rail switch operator?

A rail switch operator is responsible for manually or electronically controlling track switches to direct trains onto different tracks. This role requires attention to safety procedures, communication skills, and often involves working in a rail yard or switching station environment. Proper training and sometimes certification are necessary for this position.
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:
Commission Rail Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commission Rail Switch Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,983 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Rail Terminal Operator

Rail Terminal Operator

Rail Management Services LLC

Portland, OR • On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

About the Job
Pacific Rail Services is looking for full-time permanent Rail Terminal Operators to join our team at the BNSF Portland, OR Terminal in a recession proof industry! We're hiring immediately for this entry level position. No experience is required as we'll teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful on the job.
Copy and paste this YouTube link to see what you'll be doing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI&feature=youtu.be
Both Day and Night shifts available.
Starting Rate:
$19.80/hr + Available Overtime
Make $55,000 - $65,000 in your 1st year!
Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits typically start after your 90-day probationary period)
  • Affordable Healthcare, Free Dental, cheap Vision Benefits
  • Free Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays, paid personal days
  • Boot reimbursement
  • 401K
  • Yearly Raises
  • Vacation Pay (received on yearly anniversary)
  • Weekly Pay
  • Local Union
Applicants for the Railroad Laborer position must meet the general requirements for employment with the company, according to the Company hiring process which includes:
  • Must be 18 years old and possess a valid Driver's License
  • Must be able to pass a 7-year background check, a drug test, and a Physical Capabilities Test.
  • No GED or High School Diploma required

Please respond to this advertisement with your resume, or apply in person at:
BNSF Portland, OR Terminal
3930 N.W. Yeon
Portland, OR 97210
APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45 minute commute of Portland, OR. OUT OF AREA candidates and/or those requiring a relocation will NOT be considered.
This job would be suitable for persons looking for jobs in a warehouse, as a delivery driver, a forklift driver, working outdoors, doing landscaping, and working in a railyard.
You will be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be considered an employee of the Railroad.
About the Company
One of America's largest intermodal terminal operators, with more than 60 U.S. intermodal and auto handling facilities.Rail Management Services (RMS) is one of the largest suppliers of intermodal ramp services in the United States handling over 9 million lifts per year. An FRA certified rail switching service provider, RMS serves all U.S. Class 1 railroads.With more than three decades of experience focused on facilitating the railroad motor carrier interface, RMS has been the lowest cost and most efficient providers while maintaining one of the best safety records in the industry. Today RMS subsidiaries include Pacific Rail Services, Pacific Trailer Repair Services, Rail Terminal Services, Terminal Switching Services and PRS Auto.

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