1

Commuter Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

In this role, you will play a vital part in safeguarding passengers, employees, and property throughout bus routes, light rail stations, and major transit hubs. Location: Denver, CO Pay: $25.00 an ...

Identify emerging opportunities in intercity rail, commuter rail, corridor development, rail modernization, station programs, and related infrastructure investments. * Collaborate across operations ...

Identify emerging opportunities in intercity rail, commuter rail, corridor development, rail modernization, station programs, and related infrastructure investments. * Collaborate across operations ...

Identify emerging opportunities in intercity rail, commuter rail, corridor development, rail modernization, station programs, and related infrastructure investments. * Collaborate across operations ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Commuter Rail information

See salary details

$32K

$50K

$71K

How much do commuter rail jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for commuter rail in the United States is $50,010.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $61,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a commuter rail job?

Commuter rail jobs refer to positions involved in the operation, maintenance, and management of trains that transport passengers between suburban areas and city centers. These roles can include train operators, conductors, engineers, maintenance technicians, station agents, and administrative staff. Employees in commuter rail jobs ensure the safe, timely, and efficient movement of passengers, as well as the upkeep of trains and rail infrastructure. They may work for public transit agencies or private companies and often have schedules that accommodate peak travel times. Working in commuter rail often requires specialized training and strong customer service skills.

What are the typical collaboration points between a commuter rail operator and other departments during daily operations?

Commuter Rail Operators regularly coordinate with dispatchers, maintenance crews, customer service teams, and safety personnel to ensure timely and safe train operations. Daily responsibilities often include receiving updated schedules from dispatch, communicating any technical issues to maintenance staff, and relaying passenger concerns to customer service. This teamwork is essential for handling delays, emergencies, and passenger needs efficiently, fostering a responsive and supportive work environment.

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

To thrive as a Commuter Rail Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of safety regulations, often supported by completion of a formal training program or certification. Proficiency with train control systems, signaling technology, and radio communication equipment is typically required. Attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for handling passengers and responding to emergencies. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and reliable train operations, which are vital for passenger safety and consistent service.

What is the difference between Commuter Rail vs Train Operator?

AspectCommuter RailTrain Operator
CredentialsHigh school diploma, some certificationsHigh school diploma, train operation license
Work EnvironmentPassenger trains, stations, urban/suburban routesOperating trains, safety protocols, on tracks
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, commuter rail companiesRailroads, transit agencies, freight and passenger services

Commuter Rail and Train Operator roles often overlap, but commuter rail refers to the service provided, while train operators are the personnel who operate the trains. Both require safety training and certifications, and they work within the transit industry to ensure passenger transportation. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in the rail industry.

How much do commuter rail drivers make?

Commuter rail drivers typically earn an average salary ranging from $50,000 to $70,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often require specialized training and certifications, and may work irregular hours or shifts. Salaries can vary based on the transit agency and seniority.
More about Commuter Rail jobs

What cities are hiring for Commuter Rail jobs?

Cities with the most Commuter Rail job openings:

What states have the most Commuter Rail jobs?

States with the most job openings for Commuter Rail jobs include:

Infographic showing various Commuter Rail job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 38% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,010 per year, or $24 per hour.

Commuter Rail Mechanical Specialist

Seattle, WA โ€ข On-site

Sound Transit
Urban Transit Systemsย โ€ขย 501 - 1,000 employees

$81K - $149K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Salary range is $81k to $149k, with a midpoint of $101k.ย  New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Sound Transit also offers a competitiveย benefits packageย with a wide range of offerings, including:

  • Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Retirement Plans: 401a โ€“ 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b โ€“ up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
  • Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
  • Pet Insurance discount.
  • ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
  • Inclusive Reproductive Health Support Services.
  • Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, youโ€™ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

GENERAL PURPOSE:

Under the leadership of the Sounder Mechanical Superintendent, the incumbent in this position will inspect rolling stock and equipment to ensure contract compliance and consistency with established maintenance procedures as described in the contract as well as compliance with FRA, AAR, and APTA regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

  • Monitor and audit reports and records of Equipment Maintenance Services contractor.
  • Review the Contractor's work for compliance with any and all regulations applicable to the rolling stock.
  • Review for proper execution of preventative and capital maintenance programs and training programs as described in the contract documents; interpret, negotiate, and resolve contract related issues.
  • Ensure Vehicle Maintenance and System Safety Plans are adhered to.
  • Audit records using prescribed sampling technique.
  • Audit procedures at outlying locations; conduct physical inspections of maintenance facilities and vehicles; provide written records for preparing formal audits.
  • Document maintenance of facility and vehicles; remove vehicles from service due to safety issues; address contractor and lessee contract performance and safety issues; prepare inspection reports and contract correspondence; make recommendations for changes to contracts and/or equipment.
  • Monitor warranty issues on purchases including oversight and implementation of corrective action; review all reported defects to comply with warranty and maintenance guarantees; ensure that the corrections have been made.
  • Approve the qualifications of vendors used by the contractor for the maintenance and repair of Sound Transit rolling stock; ensure compliance with industry equipment safety standards and recommendations.
  • Work with Sounder Operations and Maintenance personnel to recommend equipment modifications; evaluate mechanical failure trends to support reliability maintenance concepts; leverage remote diagnostics software for enhanced mechanical performance; participate in analysis and evaluation of strategic vehicle maintenance planning; cooperate and work with other departments on related issues and perform other related duties as required.
  • Required to be on call duty, as needed, beyond a standard work day in order to support reliability of revenue operations.ย 
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency.
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transitโ€™s Equity & Inclusion Policy.
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees.ย 
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
  • Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: Bachelor'sย degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial Engineering or a related field, and at least four yearsโ€™ experience with transportation industry standards and practices, and two yearsโ€™ experience performing safety inspections; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required Licenses or Certifications: Valid state driverโ€™s license. Position is responsible for performing inspections and transporting parts to multiple sites along the alignment.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

  • Ability to understand and interpret FRA regulations CFR title 49 parts 200-399, AAR, and APTA industry standards and practices, and knowledge of railroad regulations, operating rules, and practices.
  • Good oral and written communication skills.
  • Have at least one year of experience using database application programs including experience preparing and generating reports and inputting data into a database.

Preferred Knowledge and Skills:

  • Experience with the design, maintenance, repair, and/or manufacturing of rail rolling stock and positive train control (PTC) is preferable.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

  • Work is performed in a standard office environment and outdoors, exposed to the local climate in an active rail yard. Must be onsite in the office or field at least 3 days per week.
  • Will perform inspections of equipment in the field requiring walking over uneven ground, bending to inspect the underside of equipment, reaching, climbing ladders, and lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • May frequently be exposed to dangerous machinery, loud noise, extreme weather conditions, wearing personal protective equipment, and potential physical harm when conducting site visits and working in the field.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.


Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.