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Full Time Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Gerdau

Railcar Switch Operator

Petersburg, VA · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Railcar Switch Operator Do you enjoy working outdoors and climbing railcars? Are you detail ... Manually knuckle and un-knuckle rail cars, climb on and off rail cars, and assist in re-railing ...

DHL

Railswitch Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$25.25/hr

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

DHL

Railswitch Operator

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$25.25/hr

Rail Switch Operator -AM Shift: (Plant) 5am-5:30pm, Day shift rotates on a 3-2-2 schedule Starting Pay : $25.25 per hour. AM Shift Weekend differential of $1.00/HR for Saturday and Sunday shifts ...

Marmon

Rail Switching Technician

Richmond, VA

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of ... This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ...

Quantix Supply Chain Solutions

Rail Operator

Morris, IL · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job summary Rail Yard Operators are responsible for Safe movement ... Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant ...

Marmon

Rail Switching Technician-Magna, UT

Magna, UT

$24 - $26/hr

This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of ... Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars ...

Quantix Supply Chain Solutions

Rail Operator

Rincon, GA · On-site

Job Type Full-time Description Job summary Rail Yard Operators are responsible for Safe movement ... Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area. * Operate all in plant ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Terminal Operator

Wall, PA · On-site

$50K - $65K/yr

Pacific Rail Services is hiring full-time Rail Terminal Operators to work with us at the Norfolk Southern Rail Terminal in Pittsburgh, PA. This is a permanent position in a stable, recession-proof ...

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Full Time Rail Switch Operator information

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$5

$19

$26

How much do full time rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time rail switch operator in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a railroad switch operator?

To become a railroad switch operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training or an apprenticeship program. Knowledge of safety procedures, communication skills, and the ability to operate control systems are essential; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the region.

What is the difference between Full Time Rail Switch Operator vs Part Time Rail Switch Operator?

AspectFull Time Rail Switch OperatorPart Time Rail Switch Operator
CertificationsRequired certifications, such as railroad safety and switch operation trainingSame certifications as full time, but may have less extensive training
Work EnvironmentTypically works full shifts in rail yards or along tracksWorks fewer hours, often on an as-needed basis in similar environments
Employer & Industry UsageEmployed by railroads or transit agencies for regular operationsEmployed for part-time shifts, often supplementing full-time staff

Full Time Rail Switch Operators work regular hours with comprehensive training, while Part Time Rail Switch Operators work fewer hours with similar certifications. Both roles operate in rail yards or along tracks, supporting railroad safety and efficiency. The main difference lies in hours worked and employment status, with full-time roles offering more consistent schedules.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Full Time Rail Switch Operators typically do not earn $300,000 annually. High-paying jobs reaching this level often include specialized roles such as senior executives, surgeons, anesthesiologists, or experienced professionals in finance and technology sectors. These roles usually require advanced education, extensive experience, and specialized skills.

What is a switchman for the railroad salary?

A railroad switchman, also known as a switch operator, typically earns a median annual salary between $40,000 and $60,000, depending on experience and location. The role involves operating track switches and signals, often requiring safety certifications and working in various weather conditions on a shift basis.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Full Time Rail Switch Operators typically do not earn $2000 a day; such high daily pay is more common in specialized or executive roles. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often involve executive management, certain medical specialists, or high-level consultants, but these are not typical for rail switch operators. Most rail industry roles offer salaries based on hourly wages or annual salaries rather than daily rates of this magnitude.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Rail Switch Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switch Operator jobs? The most popular types of Rail Switch Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Rail Switch Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Rail Switch Operator jobs include:
Full Time Rail Switch Operator jobs near you
Railcar Switch Operator

Railcar Switch Operator

Gerdau

Petersburg, VA • On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago

Gerdau rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 521 rated manufacturers

Job description

Railcar Switch Operator
Do you enjoy working outdoors and climbing railcars? Are you detail-oriented, a problem solver, and have a safety mindset? Do you want to work in a rugged and exciting environment? Join us in our cultural and digital transformation to build the future and the Gerdau We Are Creating.
$68000 to $78000 / year which includes hourly rate of $21.16 hr and after 90 days $24.60 hr, biweekly production bonus, shift premiums, and 354 annual hours of scheduled overtime.
We Have:
  • A strong global presence with mini-mills that transform millions of metric tons of raw material to produce steel beams, flat-rolled steel, merchant bar, rebar, spikes, and wire used by the automotive industry, appliance, construction, machinery, and equipment industries.
  • A culture that welcomes diversity, encourages innovation and creates products that serve humanity.
  • An environment that values teamwork, safety, and sustainability.
  • A commitment to continuous improvement and the belief that we can create a better future for our employees and our global community by investing in people, processes, and technology.

We Offer:
  • Comprehensive Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision Plans - Eligible upon 1st day of hire
  • Health & Dependent Care (Flexible Spending Account)
  • 100% Matching 401K up to 6%
  • Life/Accidental Life Insurance
  • Bonuses
  • Health Advocate Services
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Tuition Reimbursement Program
  • Career Path System and Training
  • An empowering and open culture with the opportunity to grow and create

Your Qualifications:
  • Basic computer and math skills.
  • Mobile equipment operation experience.
  • Basic mechanical skills.
  • Ability to work with limited supervision.
  • Flexibility to work a 12 hour rotating schedule days, nights and two consecutive weekends a month.

Your Purpose:
Your primary responsibility will be for safety at all times. You will be responsible for proper track alignment, planning, and positioning the railcars in the yard. You will be inspecting the railcars land track throughout the day. Also, loading prepared ferrous materials into the railcars.
  • Engage and disengage track switches to switch cars for loading, unloading, making up or breaking up of trains.
  • Manually knuckle and un-knuckle rail cars, climb on and off rail cars, and assist in re-railing derailed rail cars.
  • Operate scale system via computer and maintain weigh-ticket files while checking for accuracy of scale and related systems.
  • Perform a visual inspection of vendor scrap to confirm grades of different types of raw materials and inspect each load for non-conformities.
  • Monitor weigh-tickets for accuracy of inventory movement charge numbers.
  • Maintain communication with the locomotive operator by radio and hand signals.
  • Safety for Rail Contractors making on-site repairs.
  • Spot, determine areas of concern on track, gauging issues, broken track, frogs, etc.
  • Cleaning and repairing of switches (shimming, butterflies, etc.)
  • Repair of run-through switches.
  • Maintain awareness of surroundings and activity.

Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to climb stairs, climb ladders, reach, squat, tolerate prolonged standing or walking, balance, bend, operate mobile equipment, crawl, kneel, and push and pull objects.
  • Ability to reach, squat, and tolerate prolonged sitting.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
  • Ability to operate hand controls with both hands and foot pedals with both feet.
  • Ability to perform sustained overhead reaching.
  • Ability to work in all environmental weather conditions which includes rain, sleet, snow, heat, humidity, and sun.
  • Ability to work in cramped quarters and at heights.
  • Ability to work a rotating shift schedule, including days, nights and weekends.
  • Ability to tolerate working in areas where noise levels can reach 120 decibels.
  • Ability to ride railcars.
  • Ability to climb and hold on to railcar using 3 points of contact.
  • Ability to work around hazardous materials.

Gerdau believes in equal employment opportunity related to all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of Gerdau that there will be no discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.
If you are vision-impaired or have some other disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act / Accessible Canada Act or a similar law, and you wish to discuss potential accommodations related to applying for employment at Gerdau, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team at (866)-788-2798 or recruiting@gerdau.com

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