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Hi Rail Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metropolitan Council

Track Maintainer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

... operating hi-rail equipment. Licensure Requirement: Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record. Must Obtain Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Permits prior to being hired, to include ...

RailWorks

TAMPER OPERATOR

Stockton, CA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

TAMPER OPERATOR Position Summary: Operates Tamper in a safe manner to perform maintenance and ... Inspects and maintains trucks and attached apparatuses such as hi-rail gear, tools, etc. * Operates ...

ENSCO, Inc.

Junior Technician

Chambersburg, PA · On-site

Key responsibilities include interpreting railroad documents to derive train speed information, reviewing and analyzing track measurement data for reporting, and operating hi-rail commercial motor ...

Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.

Locomotive Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$27 - $36/hr

As the Locomotive Operator II, you perform track inspections, general track work, flagging trains ... hi-rail trucks, boom trucks, forklifts, and hydraulic front-end loaders. * You train and mentor co ...

RailWorks

TAMPER OPERATOR

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Inspects and maintains trucks and attached apparatuses such as hi-rail gear, tools, etc ... A minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment (jackson 6700) - in a railroad ...

RailWorks

TAMPER OPERATOR

Stockton, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Inspects and maintains trucks and attached apparatuses such as hi-rail gear, tools, etc ... A minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment (jackson 6700) - in a railroad ...

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Hi Rail Operator information

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$14

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How much do hi rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for hi rail operator in the United States is $27.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hi rail operator?

Hi Rail Operators are professionals who operate vehicles equipped to travel both on roads and railway tracks, known as 'hi-rail' vehicles. These operators are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing railway lines and infrastructure. Their work ensures the safe and efficient functioning of rail systems, often requiring specialized training and adherence to strict safety protocols. Hi Rail Operators may also assist in laying new tracks or responding to emergencies on the rail network.

What are some of the common challenges hi rail operators face while working on active rail lines?

Hi Rail Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating closely with train dispatchers to ensure safe access to rail tracks, especially when working on busy or shared lines. They must stay vigilant for unexpected schedule changes, weather impacts, and adhere to strict safety protocols at all times. Additionally, operators frequently collaborate with maintenance crews and engineers, requiring strong communication skills and adaptability to shifting priorities throughout their shift.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hi rail operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hi Rail Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or equivalent certification. Familiarity with hi-rail vehicle systems, track inspection equipment, and rail safety protocols is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work independently or in teams help operators excel in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient operation and maintenance of hi-rail vehicles, minimizing risks and supporting reliable rail services.

What is the difference between Hi Rail Operator vs Track Inspector?

AspectHi Rail OperatorTrack Inspector
CredentialsTypically requires safety certifications and operating licensesRequires safety certifications, inspection training, and sometimes engineering knowledge
Work EnvironmentOperates on or near railway tracks, often on specialized hi-rail vehiclesInspects tracks on foot or using vehicles, focusing on safety and maintenance issues
Employer & IndustryRailway companies, transit authoritiesRailway maintenance firms, transit agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The Hi Rail Operator primarily operates specialized vehicles on railway tracks, focusing on transportation and safety. In contrast, the Track Inspector conducts detailed inspections to identify maintenance needs. Both roles require safety certifications and work within the railway industry, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ significantly.

What states have the most Hi Rail Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Hi Rail Operator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Hi Rail Operator jobs?

For Hi Rail Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hi Rail Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% As Needed, and 80% Full Time. Highlights an 60% In-person, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,721 per year, or $27.8 per hour.

CDL Hi-Rail Railroad Technician

Kansas City, MO • On-site

DeAngelo Contracting Services
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about DeAngelo Contracting Servicesexternal

Full-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

DeAngelo Contracting Services rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

218th of 284 rated repair and maintenance companies

Job description

Company Description

DCS is a family owned and operated business with treating all employees like family at the core of our values. Our employees provide innovative, safe, and high-quality infrastructure/maintenance contracting services to State DOTs, railroads, and other commercial/residential customers across the entire United States. Employees receive generous compensation packages, employee engagement events & career development programs, just to name a few of the perks of being part of the DCS family!

To provide quality service, we need top-of-the-line employees. That is why we offer great compensation, awesome benefits, and a work environment worth bragging about! 

Job Description

DeAngelo Contracting Services (DCS) is seeking a motivated and skilled CDL Hi-Rail Technician with strong ethics, mechanical aptitude, and a commitment to safety. This is a full-time seasonal position with start and end dates depending on weather conditions and workload.

As a Hi-Rail Technician, you’ll play a key role in spraying herbicide along railroad tracks while maintaining trucks and spray equipment. This role offers challenging, rewarding work with travel, training, and opportunities to grow in the vegetation management industry.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee and complete assigned jobs/contracts.
  • Apply herbicides (weed, grass, and brush control) along railroads.
  • Mix tanks and calibrate spray equipment.
  • Perform daily truck inspections, routine maintenance, and system repairs.
  • Maintain accurate daily/weekly records.
  • Ensure all work complies with safety guidelines and regulations.
  • Communicate with customers and address complaints professionally.
  • Identify vegetation types and understand proper application methods, chemicals, and safety requirements.
Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or equivalent.
  • 21+ years of age or older.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen, DOT physical, and federal background check for railroad property access.
  • Valid CDL (Class A or B) with tanker and air brake endorsements.
  • 5 years of total clean driving experience required.
  • Ability to operate manual transmission trucks preferred. 
  • Ability to travel away from home for 4–6 weeks at a time (DCS covers hotel accommodations and per diem).
  • Flexible schedule:
    • Most work is Monday–Friday, 7am–4pm, with 10–12-hour shifts.
    • Some weekend or night work may be required.
    • Hours may vary with weather and workload.
  • Occasionally travel to offices during breaks for routine truck/equipment maintenance.
  • Must comply with company drug and alcohol policy.

Training Provided

  • Paid training in vegetation identification, chemical usage, safety procedures, application methods, and equipment operation/maintenance.

Additional Information

Benefits & Compensation

  • Compensation range: $24.00/ hour depending on experience.
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment
  • Competitive medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Generous paid time off
  • Career development opportunities
  • Employee referral bonus
  • Pay increases available for:
    • Prior Hi-Rail/vegetation spray experience
    • Earning a Commercial Pesticide Applicator’s License after hire.

Come be a part of the DeAngelo family, today! 

DCS is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all hiring and employment regulations. In the event an ADA accommodation is needed, DCS is happy to help all employees achieve gainful employment in an atmosphere where they are appreciated and respected. DCS offers subcontracting services to government agencies as such, candidates may be subject to pre-employment screenings such as criminal background checks, pre-employment, post-accident & reasonable impairment drug screenings, motor vehicle record checks, etc. as such, DCS complies with all federal and state regulatory guidelines including the FCRA.

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