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Federal Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or ...

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or ...

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or ...

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Federal Railroad information

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$22K

$72.8K

$154K

How much do federal railroad jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal railroad in the United States is $72,780.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are federal railroad jobs?

Federal Railroad jobs are positions within the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), a government agency that oversees the safety, regulation, and development of the U.S. railroad system. These roles can include safety inspectors, engineers, policy analysts, and administrative staff, all working to ensure efficient and safe railway operations nationwide. Employees may be involved in enforcing safety standards, conducting inspections and investigations, developing transportation policies, or supporting rail infrastructure projects. Working for the FRA offers an opportunity to impact transportation safety and infrastructure on a national scale.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspector?

To thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration Inspector, you need a solid background in railroad operations, safety regulations, and engineering principles, often supported by relevant technical or engineering degrees. Familiarity with inspection tools, compliance databases, and federal safety standards is crucial, along with any FRA-specific certifications. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help inspectors identify risks and collaborate with railroad personnel. These competencies are vital to ensure public safety, regulatory compliance, and the seamless operation of the nation's rail infrastructure.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by employees working in federal railroad positions?

Employees in federal railroad roles often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with complex safety regulations, adapting to evolving technologies, and coordinating effectively with various stakeholders, including private rail companies and government agencies. The work environment can be fast-paced and sometimes requires travel or irregular hours, especially during inspections or investigations. Strong communication skills and adaptability are essential, as collaboration across departments and with external partners is a routine part of the job.

What is the difference between Federal Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectFederal RailroadRailroad Conductor
Required CredentialsFederal certifications, safety training, and compliance knowledgeRailroad-specific certifications, safety procedures, and operational training
Work EnvironmentRegulatory agencies, oversight roles, and compliance inspectionsOnboard trains, station operations, and customer service
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies, regulatory bodies, and oversight organizationsRailroad companies, train operators, and transportation services

Federal Railroad professionals focus on regulatory compliance, safety standards, and oversight within the railroad industry, often working for government agencies. Railroad Conductors are frontline personnel responsible for train operations, safety, and customer service on the ground. While both roles are essential to rail transportation, they differ mainly in their responsibilities, work environment, and employer types.

More about Federal Railroad jobs

What cities are hiring for Federal Railroad jobs?

Cities with the most Federal Railroad job openings:

What states have the most Federal Railroad jobs?

States with the most job openings for Federal Railroad jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Federal Railroad jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Federal Railroad jobs are:

Federal Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Railroad job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,780 per year, or $35 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy has been amended to add additional locations. 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: 

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written an oral communication.
  • Knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques;
  • Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various track system configurations; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards.

For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following:

  • Experience applying Federal Railroad track safety standards/regulations for the purpose of inspecting and identifying track safety deficiencies.
  • Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations.
  • Experience producing electronic and automated track inspection and violation reports that describe defective track conditions, narrative accident / incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Accident Investigation - Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.
  2. Planning and Evaluating - Organize work, sets priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  3. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  4. Oral Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations. Listen effectively; clarify information as needed.
  5. Written Communication - Write in a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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