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Freelance Railroad Track Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Track

Railroad Track Inspector

Denver, CO · On-site

The Track Specialist is a senior level inspector that monitors railroad track functionality and structure to assure compliance with federal safety regulations. The successful candidate must ...

Bettis Companies

Railroad Track Inspector

Topeka, KS

Railroad Track Inspector Position SummaryThe Railroad Track Inspector is responsible for inspecting, evaluating, and documenting the condition of railroad track infrastructure to ensure compliance ...

RailPros

$40 - $45/hr

The Railroad Track Specialist will inspect railroad tracks to ensure compliance with applicable railroad standards, state regulations, and the FRA Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subpart G and will ...

RailPros

Railroad Track Inspector

Irving, IL

$45 - $50/hr

The Railroad Track Specialist will inspect railroad tracks to ensure compliance with applicable railroad standards, state regulations, and the FRA Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subpart A-F . They ...

RailPros

Railroad Track Inspector

Irving, IL

$45 - $50/hr

The Railroad Track Specialist will inspect railroad tracks to ensure compliance with applicable railroad standards, state regulations, and the FRA Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subpart A-F . They ...

RailPros

$40 - $45/hr

The Railroad Track Specialist will inspect railroad tracks to ensure compliance with applicable railroad standards, state regulations, and the FRA Track Safety Standards Part 213 Subpart G and will ...

omnitrax

Assistant Track Inspector

Tulsa, OK

Carries out the track inspection plan for the railroad, establishes maintenance priorities, and coordinates the remedial action for any track deficiencies noted during inspection. Ensures the safety ...

omnitrax

Assistant Track Inspector

Tulsa, OK

Carries out the track inspection plan for the railroad, establishes maintenance priorities, and coordinates the remedial action for any track deficiencies noted during inspection. Ensures the safety ...

OmniTRAX

Assistant Track Inspector

Tulsa, OK · On-site

Carries out the track inspection plan for the railroad, establishes maintenance priorities, and coordinates the remedial action for any track deficiencies noted during inspection. Ensures the safety ...

Pinsly Railroad Company

Track Inspector

La Crosse, IN · On-site

Inspect railroad track structure for compliance with railroad policy and federal/state regulations. Train, qualify, and work with the transportation department as Conductor as needed. Detect ...

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Freelance Railroad Track Inspector information

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$52

How much do freelance railroad track inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance railroad track inspector in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $31.49 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What railroad jobs pay the most?

Among railroad jobs, positions such as railroad managers, safety directors, and senior engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These roles typically require extensive experience, specialized skills, and sometimes certifications, and they involve overseeing operations, safety compliance, or technical inspections like those performed by railroad track inspectors.

How to become a railroad track inspector?

To become a railroad track inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience in railroad maintenance or inspection. Certification in safety standards and knowledge of track components are often required, and some positions may require a valid driver's license and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

How much does a FRA inspector make?

A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspector typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. They often require knowledge of safety regulations, inspection procedures, and may work irregular hours or in hazardous environments.

What type of inspector gets paid the most?

In the railroad industry, senior or specialized railroad track inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and knowledge of safety standards tend to earn the highest salaries. These inspectors often oversee complex projects, perform detailed inspections, and may hold supervisory roles, which contribute to higher pay. Advanced skills, certifications, and a strong safety record are key factors influencing compensation for railroad track inspectors.

What is the difference between Freelance Railroad Track Inspector vs Railroad Track Inspector?

AspectFreelance Railroad Track InspectorRailroad Track Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in track inspection and safety standardsUsually holds certifications or licenses in track inspection and safety
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based inspections often on various sitesEmployed by rail companies, inspecting tracks regularly at specific locations
Employer & Industry UsageContractor or freelance inspector working with multiple clientsFull-time employee or contractor for a specific railroad company

Freelance Railroad Track Inspectors operate independently, often on a project basis, while Railroad Track Inspectors are typically employed by rail companies to perform regular inspections. Both roles require similar certifications and work in the same industry, but their employment structure and work setup differ.

More about Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Railroad Track Inspector job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad Track Inspector jobs? The most popular types of Railroad Track Inspector jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs are:
Freelance Railroad Track Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Railroad Track Inspector job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 22% Contract, and 8% Nights. Highlights an 60% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 38% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,905 per year, or $27.4 per hour.
Railroad Track Inspector

Railroad Track Inspector

American Track

Denver, CO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time -
MUST LIVE IN DENVER, CO AREA OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE!!
Description
American Track is seeking an experienced Track Specialist with expert-level knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards. The Track Specialist is a senior level inspector that monitors railroad track functionality and structure to assure compliance with federal safety regulations. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge and understand the requirements of FRA Part 213, detect deviations, and prescribe proper remedial action. The Track Specialist must be detail-oriented, a skilled problem-solver, and able to learn and apply federal and railroad rules, regulations, and policies. 
Major Responsibilities
  • Plan and implement a program of periodic inspections to provide optimum coverage of the railroad track network in the assigned territory and ensure compliance with FRA Class 1 requirements
  • Perform on-ground inspections where defects are indicated to determine the seriousness of the problems and best means of correction.
  • Inspect railroad track structure for compliance with railroad policy and federal/state regulations
  • Detect deviations from federal/state regulations. Communicate with local Area manager and implement remedial action on defects, pending repair
  • Inspect completed work to verify conformance to government regulations
  • Prepare inspection reports for management and government compliance
  • Perform special inspections of the track structure in times of severe weather or other events that may damage the railroad
  • Perform other tasks necessary to the efficient operation of the railroad
  • Identify opportunities for market expansion into new related services or geographies in support of the overall regional and company growth plans.
  • Support key customer relationships and participate in closing strategic opportunities.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Associate’s degree in construction/business management, or equivalent work experience, preferred
  • Valid Driver’s License

Work Experience Required:
  • MUST LIVE IN DENVER, CO AREA!
  • 2+ years experience operating a hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections 
  • 3+ years experience railroad construction, repair, and maintenance
  • Ability to operate heavy machinery
  • Knowledge of rail maintenance and/or commercial construction operations
  • Track inspection (FRA or non-FRA) in order to help identify and evaluate opportunities 
Skills & Knowledge Required:
  • FRA Track Safety Standards
  • Roadway Worker Protection rules
  • Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly, with overnight stay
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with others
  • Excellent planning and time management abilities
  • Self-motivated, able to maintain schedules and execute on sales activities with minimal supervision day-to-day
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
  • Constant physical effort, including standing, stoop, bend, and crouch, is required during regular work shift of at least 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds
  • Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground, in varying weather conditions to include extreme heat, rain, cold.
  • Ability to climb on and off on-track equipment safely.
  • Outdoor work environment periodically exposes employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a construction project.
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