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Commuter Rail Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Buyer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities ...

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Buyer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$86K - $97K/yr

VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities ...

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Buyer

Richmond, VA · On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities ...

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Buyer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$86K - $97K/yr

VPRA is responsible for promoting, sustaining, and expanding the availability of passenger and commuter rail services in the Commonwealth, including all administrative and fiduciary responsibilities ...

Rail Management Services

Railroad Laborer

Waverly, VA · On-site

$17/hr

... rail terminal! No experience is required in this entry level position as we offer On the Job ... APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45-minute commute of Petersburg, NJ. OUT OF AREA candidates ...

PRTC

Director of Marketing & Communications

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$154K - $208K/yr

This position is responsible for developing and executing integrated marketing and communications strategies that support VRE's transition from a traditional commuter rail service to a regional rail ...

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Commuter Rail information

See Virginia salary details

$31.7K

$49.6K

$70.4K

How much do commuter rail jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for commuter rail in Virginia is $49,581.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $60,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Commuter Rail jobs in Virginia?

For Commuter Rail jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Commuter Rail jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Commuter Rail jobs in Virginia are:

Commuter Rail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commuter Rail job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,581 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Office Engineer - Rail

Michael Baker International, Inc.

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 449 rated engineering

Job description


Rail and Transit Practice
Whether moving people or freight, future rail and transit solutions will be shaped by energy costs, urban growth, and environmental priorities. Michael Baker helps freight railroads, transit authorities, and state DOTs address these challenges through services focused on state of good repair, capacity, safety, asset management, and sustainable infrastructure solutions. By partnering closely with our clients, we deliver innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions that support the successful delivery of complex rail and transit projects.
What We're Looking For:
Michael Baker is adding an Office Engineer to our Rail & Transit team in Alexandria, VA! In this role, you will support the planning, design, and delivery of rail infrastructure projects by applying your professional engineering judgment to develop technically sound solutions and support construction activities, and you will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary Rail design teams, construction staff, public agencies, and railroad stakeholders to help deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality rail projects across all phases of project delivery.
What You'll Do:
  • Perform civil engineering design and technical analysis for rail infrastructure projects, including track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces
  • Prepare and review engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, and cost estimates
  • Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout design and construction phases
  • Support permitting and regulatory compliance efforts in accordance with federal, state, and local requirements
  • Apply railroad and transit standards, including AREMA, FRA, and client-specific guidelines, during project execution
  • Participate in design reviews, constructability reviews, and value engineering efforts
  • Respond to RFIs and provide engineering support during construction
  • Coordinate with railroad operators, transit agencies, utilities, and third-party stakeholders
  • Help ensure that designs and construction support activities meet safety, quality, schedule, and budget objectives
  • Maintain organized and accurate project documentation throughout the project lifecycle

What You Need to Succeed:
  • A Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
  • A minimum of 6 years professional civil engineering experience supporting rail infrastructure initiatives and projects (preferably for freight rail, commuter rail, light rail, or transit systems)
  • Experience preparing engineering plans, specifications, and technical documentation
  • A strong understanding of civil design principles and construction methods
  • Excellent communication, coordination, problem-solving and client-facing skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and work collaboratively in a team environment

Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $84,000-$110,000 per year. This compensation range is a good-faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.
Why Choose Us:
  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits

About Us
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.
Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.
*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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