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Commuter Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keolis America

Rail Maintenance SME

Boston, MA · On-site

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred * Knowledge of Maintenance of Equipment (DMUs and EMUs) and Maintenance of Way (Track, Signaling and ...

RailPros

National Construction Management Lead

Newark, NJ · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Lead the expansion of CM services in the rail sector, with a focus on Class I railroads, commuter rail, and public transit agencies. * Drive business development initiatives by leveraging an ...

RailPros

National Construction Management Lead

Irving, TX · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Lead the expansion of CM services in the rail sector, with a focus on Class I railroads, commuter rail, and public transit agencies. * Drive business development initiatives by leveraging an ...

Keolis America

Rail Technical Director

Boston, MA · On-site

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred * Knowledge of Operations of DMUs and EMUs required * Knowledge of Maintenance of Equipment (DMUs and ...

RailPros

National Construction Management Lead

Omaha, NE · On-site

$180K - $250K/yr

Lead the expansion of CM services in the rail sector, with a focus on Class I railroads, commuter rail, and public transit agencies. * Drive business development initiatives by leveraging an ...

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All JobsCommuter Rail Jobs

Commuter Rail information

See salary details

$32K

$50K

$71K

How much do commuter rail jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 18, 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.

How long does it take to get hired at the MBTA?

The hiring process for a commuter rail position at the MBTA typically takes several weeks, including application review, interviews, and background checks. Candidates should ensure they meet the required qualifications and may need to complete training or certifications before starting.

What railroad jobs pay the most?

In the commuter rail industry, management roles such as train dispatchers, operations managers, and safety directors tend to have the highest salaries. Skilled positions like locomotive engineers and maintenance supervisors also earn higher wages, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and experience in the rail industry.

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 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 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 commuter rail jobs?

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.

How much do commuter rail workers make?

Commuter rail workers, including conductors, engineers, and maintenance staff, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific role. Salaries can vary based on union contracts, certifications, and years of service.

How much do MBTA employees get paid?

MBTA employees, including commuter rail staff, typically earn salaries that vary by position and experience, with starting wages for train operators around $25 to $30 per hour and maintenance workers earning similar or slightly less. Salaries increase with seniority, certifications, and specialized skills, and benefits often include health insurance and retirement plans.
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:
What job categories do people searching Commuter Rail jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Commuter Rail jobs are:
Commuter Rail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Commuter Rail job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 65% Full Time, 30% 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.

Rail Maintenance SME

Keolis America

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

Knowledge and Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of Rail maintenance experience required
  • Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred
  • Knowledge of Maintenance of Equipment (DMUs and EMUs) and Maintenance of Way (Track, Signaling and Communications, OCS, Catenary-free solutions, etc.) required
  • Knowledge of FRA and FTA regulations required
  • Knowledge of Customer Service, Mobilizations / Transitions, Planning & Scheduling, Safety & Training, and / or Security, Labor / Unions as it applies to maintenance, required
  • Must have experience writing technical documents (including but not limited to plans, SOPs, etc.)
  • Experience working on pursuits preferred
  • College degree preferred

 

Skills:

  • Excellent writing skills
  • Excellent communication skills

 

Key Accountabilities:

Business Development

  • Lead Maintenance SME and technical writer for pursuits
  • Performs technical analyses and due diligences in areas such as train and infrastructure maintenance, planning and scheduling and run cutting and rostering
  • Performs research and reviews of documents and plans, with a focus on Customer Service, Mobilizations / Transitions, Planning & Scheduling, Safety & Training, and / or Security, Labor / Unions as it applies to maintenance, required
  • Develops maintenance plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs)Participates in technical reviews and discussions
  • Assist with pricing activities

Collaboration

  • Collaborates with other team members including Project Director/Manager, Operations and Pricing, and other support functions
  • Supports other activities as needed by the Technical Director and the VP of Rail Development

Additional Statements:

  • Drug and alcohol screening: Employment contingent upon passing pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Also, contingent upon receiving a favorable background check. Must pass a physical examination.
  • Safety commitment: Safety is a way of life at Keolis. By placing safety first, we ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities. Together we can become the most successful transportation company in the world. 
  • Environmental commitment: Keolis is committed to protecting the environment by minimizing the impact of operations to our people and the communities in which we operate.
  • EEO statement: Our policy is to afford Equal Employment Opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

 

  • Disclaimer and closing statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job. Keolis is committed to offering our employees competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible

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