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Federal Railroad Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CARLOAD EXPRESS INC

Conductor

Harrington, DE

$21.50 - $28/hr

Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) * Conducts the movement or rail cars and ...

Federal Railroad Administration

ME

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and ... administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience ...

Federal Railroad Administration

ME

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and ... administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience ...

CARLOAD EXPRESS INC

Conductor

Pittsburgh, PA

$21.75 - $28.75/hr

Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) * Conducts the movement or rail cars and ...

Federal Railroad Administration

NH

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and ... administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience ...

Federal Railroad Administration

RI

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and ... administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience ...

Federal Railroad Administration

MA

$89K/yr

AND * Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards relating to railroad operations and ... administration, and locomotive engineer certification to maintain compliance. * Experience ...

Federal Railroad Administration

IA

$89K/yr

... execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad ... Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CO

$89K/yr

... execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad ... Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars ...

Federal Railroad Administration

AZ

$89K/yr

... execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad ... Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars ...

Federal Railroad Administration

CO

$89K/yr

... execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad ... Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars ...

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How much do federal railroad administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for federal railroad administration in the United States is $21.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $23.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of collaborative projects might employees at the Federal Railroad Administration work on, and who are their typical partners?

Employees at the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) often collaborate on projects that improve rail safety, infrastructure, and regulatory compliance. These projects typically involve cross-functional teams and partnerships with state transportation agencies, private rail companies, engineering consultants, and other federal entities such as the Department of Transportation. Team members might work together on safety audits, technology implementation, or policy development, requiring strong communication and coordination skills. This collaborative environment provides opportunities to contribute to high-impact initiatives and learn from a diverse group of experts.

How much do FRA inspectors make?

FRA inspectors typically earn an annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and level of responsibility. They often require knowledge of safety regulations, inspection procedures, and may need certifications related to railroad safety. Salaries can vary based on federal pay scales and overtime opportunities in the field.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired for a position with the Federal Railroad Administration can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, education, and sometimes certifications. Candidates should be prepared for a thorough application process, including background checks and interviews, as federal jobs typically have specific qualification standards.

What is the difference between Federal Railroad Administration vs Railroad Safety Inspector?

AspectFederal Railroad AdministrationRailroad Safety Inspector
Primary RoleRegulates and oversees railroad safety, policy development, and industry complianceEnforces safety regulations, inspects railroads, and investigates safety violations
Work EnvironmentFederal agencies, offices, and field sitesRailroad facilities, tracks, and equipment inspections
CredentialsBachelor's degree, often in engineering, transportation, or related fields; federal hiring requirementsRelevant safety certifications, experience in rail industry, sometimes federal training

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) focuses on regulation, policy, and oversight of the railroad industry at a federal level, while Railroad Safety Inspectors are responsible for enforcing safety standards through on-site inspections and investigations. Both roles are essential for maintaining safety and compliance within the rail industry, but they differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Inspector, and why are they important?

To excel as a Federal Railroad Administration Inspector, you need a comprehensive understanding of railroad operations, safety regulations, and often a degree or significant experience in transportation, engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with inspection tools, safety compliance software, and federal regulatory systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help inspectors identify issues and collaborate with stakeholders. These skills are crucial for ensuring railroad safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents across the rail network.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically executive roles such as railroad presidents or chief operating officers, or specialized engineering positions like railroad signal or track engineers. These roles often require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership responsibilities, and they can earn six-figure salaries or higher depending on the company and location.

What does the Federal Railroad Administration do?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is a government agency responsible for overseeing and regulating railroad safety, infrastructure, and operations across the United States. It develops safety standards, enforces regulations, and supports the advancement of rail transportation through research and grants.
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What cities are hiring for Federal Railroad Administration jobs? Cities with the most Federal Railroad Administration job openings:
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Federal Railroad Administration jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Railroad Administration job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,338 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat)

Supervisory Railroad Safety Specialist (Hazmat)

Federal Railroad Administration

Kansas City, KS • On-site

$127K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

 The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) administers and enforces Federal safety and health laws and regulations that apply to the railroad industry and its ancillary components. The of this position serves as the Deputy Staff Director for the Office of Railroad Safety (RRS) Hazardous Materials (HIM) Division. The Office of Safety promotes and regulates safety throughout the Nation's railroad industry.

Qualifications:

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

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards 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 applicabe to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation tehcniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Practical knowledge of the typical reactions of different hazardous commodities to various environmental conditions and of safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, leaks, or explosions of these materials.
  • Knowledge of the construction, testing, and retesting of containers used to ship hazardous materials by rail; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards governing the shipment of hazardous materials by rail, including containerization, loading, handling, documentation, and placarding.

To qualify for the Grade 14, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-13, it must include:

  • Experience applying principles, procedures, regulations/policies to manage a program related to the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail.
  • Experience persuading others, building consensus, and gaining cooperation from others to obtain information and accomplish goals to improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by rail.
  • Experience leading, motivating, supervising and/or managing a workforce to promote a uniform understanding and accomplish organizational goals.

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. Hazardous Materials- Knowledge of hazardous materials and waste and their uses, interactions, dangers, production, handling, storge, and disposal.
  2. Leadership- Influences, motivates, and challenges others; adapts leadershp styles to a variety of situations.
  3. Planning and Evaluating- Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitor progress and evaluates outcomes.
  4. Oral Communication- Expresses information (for example, ideas, or facts) to individuals or groups efffectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive). 

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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