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Commission Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from tanker truck ...

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from tanker truck ...

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from tanker truck ...

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from tanker truck ...

Food Service Worker-1

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$20.86 - $31.73/hr

Join a team that shares your calling At MultiCare, you're more than just a job title - you're part of a team built on trust that cares for each other, our patients and our communities. Belonging here ...

This position is responsible for safely and efficiently operating and maintaining rail equipment, track, and switches. The safe transfer of crude oil and petroleum products to and from shore tankage ...

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Showing results 1-20

Commission Rail Switch Operator information

See salary details

$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:
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 Switching Technician- Memphis, TN (Cargill)

Rail Switching Technician- Memphis, TN (Cargill)

Marmon

Memphis, TN • On-site

$19 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Railserve

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Memphis, TN to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars that support customer operations and production schedules.
This is an FRA-regulated position. A valid driver's license is required for employment.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides training, promotes from within, and offers opportunities for long-term career growth in rail operations.

Who We Are

Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve.com.

Job Description

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 accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into Crew Leader, Site Leadership, and other skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule

Day shift
12-hour shifts
Overtime may be required based on operational needs

Compensation

$19.00 - $21.00 per hour based on experience

Duties

Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
Inspect locomotives prior to operation
Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
Assist in training new employees as needed
Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements
Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Valid driver's license required
This position is regulated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
Reliable transportation required
Strong attendance and dependability required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively
Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
Ability to participate in Railserve's pre-employment screening process
Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)

Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information

Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
Moderate to heavy physical labor required
Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
Required use of personal protective equipment
Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company, customer, and FRA safety regulations

Grow With Us

Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

#LI-DNI

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.


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