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Federal Railroad Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

WI

$89.51K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you ... AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your ...

Federal Railroad Administration

WI

$89.51K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you ... AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your ...

Federal Railroad Administration

WI

$89.51K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you ... AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your ...

Department of Transportation

WI · On-site

$89.51K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you ... AND * Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards. For the GS-12, to qualify, your ...

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$54.9K

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How much do federal railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal railroad inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Federal Railroad Inspector, you need in-depth knowledge of railroad safety regulations, inspection procedures, and a background in engineering or transportation—usually supported by relevant experience or a degree. Familiarity with inspection tools, safety reporting systems, and federal compliance software is typically required. Keen attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for documenting findings and collaborating with railroad personnel. These skills ensure that inspectors can identify safety hazards, enforce regulations, and promote safe rail operations nationwide.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Railroad Inspectors during field inspections?

Federal Railroad Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in diverse weather conditions, navigating remote or difficult-to-access rail sites, and ensuring compliance across a broad range of safety regulations. Inspectors must maintain objectivity while interacting with railroad personnel and may need to address complex technical issues on-site. Additionally, balancing thorough inspection protocols with tight schedules requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What are Federal Railroad Inspectors?

Federal Railroad Inspectors are professionals employed by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to ensure that railroads in the United States comply with federal safety standards and regulations. They conduct routine inspections of railroad equipment, tracks, signals, and operations to identify potential safety hazards and enforce compliance with laws. Inspectors also investigate accidents, review maintenance records, and provide technical assistance to railroads to help improve safety. Their work is crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring the safe operation of the nation's rail system.

How to become a railroad inspector?

To become a railroad inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations, safety, or maintenance. Federal regulations often require passing written exams and background checks, and some positions may require specific certifications or training in safety standards and inspection procedures.

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

AspectFederal Railroad InspectorRailroad Safety Inspector
CredentialsFederal certifications, safety training, railroad regulations knowledgeState or federal safety certifications, industry-specific safety training
Work EnvironmentInspecting railroads, safety compliance, on-site inspectionsMonitoring safety standards, conducting inspections, fieldwork
Employer & Industry UsageFederal agencies (e.g., FRA), railroad companiesState agencies, railroad companies, safety organizations

Both roles focus on railroad safety and require similar certifications and fieldwork. The Federal Railroad Inspector primarily works for federal agencies ensuring compliance with national regulations, while Railroad Safety Inspectors may work at state or company levels, focusing on local safety standards.

More about Federal Railroad Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Federal Railroad Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Federal Railroad Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Federal Railroad Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Federal Railroad Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Federal Railroad Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Railroad Inspector jobs are:
Federal Railroad Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Railroad Inspector job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Saint Louis, MI

$89.51K/yr

Other

Posted yesterday

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.

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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