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Federal Railroad Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WI · On-site

$89K/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 ...

WI · On-site

$89K/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 ...

WI

$89K/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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Showing results 1-20

Federal Railroad Inspector information

See salary details

$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do federal railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 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.

How much does a FRA inspector make?

A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspector typically earns between $70,000 and $100,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They conduct safety inspections, enforce regulations, and ensure compliance with federal standards in the railroad industry.

How many FRA inspectors are there?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) employs several hundred inspectors across the United States to oversee safety compliance on railroads. The exact number varies based on staffing needs, budget, and ongoing safety priorities, and inspectors typically work in teams focused on track, equipment, and operational safety.

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.

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 certifications such as safety or inspection training. Knowledge of safety standards, communication skills, and attention to detail are essential for the role.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

Federal Railroad Inspectors typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are generally lower and based on government pay scales. High-paying jobs that can reach or exceed $2000 daily often include specialized roles such as senior executives, certain medical specialists, or highly experienced consultants, but these are not common in standard federal inspector positions. Earning this level usually requires extensive experience, certifications, or working in high-demand industries.

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.

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.
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:
Infographic showing various Federal Railroad Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, and 97% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Railroad Inspector (Track) (NY HELPS)

Railroad Inspector (Track) (NY HELPS)

New York State

Albany, NY • On-site

$56K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Duties Description: Inspects railroad tracks, roadbeds, and related structures, such as tunnels, bridges, yards, signals, and other non-moving equipment and structures, to ensure compliance with State or federal law. Conducts hi-rail inspections to determine track alignment, tie condition, and surface conditions. Checks grade crossings for presence and condition of protection devices and warning lights.

Rides trains to determine smoothness of ride on tracks and through curves, switches, crossovers, and Sidings. Conducts walking inspections to determine condition of rails, ties, joint bars, bridge structures and piers, switches, guard rails, and other devices. Prepare reports documenting conditions, noting deficiencies and actions needed to correct them.

Investigates complaints about track and structure condition, ensures that deficiencies are corrected, or refers to higher level staff for corrective action and notifies complainants of findings and corrective actions taken. Investigate accidents, such as derailments or explosions, to assist in determining probable causes and prepare reports of findings. Evaluates rail track capital improvements for safety, effectiveness, and contract compliance.

Will be required to obtain and maintain various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety Programs. The duties of the position require considerable travel within a designated area of assignment. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications *Although this position will report to Main Office, the incumbent's assigned territory encompasses Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Minimum Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Open Competitive: Four years of experience in railroad track construction or maintenance

Substitution: Due to Federal Railroad Administration requirements for candidates, a bachelor's degree may substitute for two years of the required experience. Continued employment as a Railroad Inspector (Track) is dependent upon acquisition of various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety programs. Failure to obtain and maintain these certifications may result in termination of employment.

The duties of the position require extensive travel within a designated area of assignment. Appointees must be able to respond to the work requirements of the job in a timely and responsible manner. Individuals who do not live within reasonable proximity of the work assignment will find it extremely difficult to satisfy this condition of employment.

At the time of appointment, and continuously thereafter, you will be required to possess a valid New York State driver's license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the travel requirements of the position. Physical/Medical Requirements: Your physical and medical condition will be evaluated to ensure that you are able to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm

A medical examination will be required prior to appointment. Appointees to this position may be required to undergo periodic medical examinations to reassess their ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.

Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education

If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position

For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. For more salary information please visit https://oer.ny.gov/salary-schedules DOT is an equal opportunity employer

Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made.

The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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