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Live In Rail Switchman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Overview Join Join out Railway Operations team at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel! Why the Train ... live and breathe trains, are dedicated to protecting the environment, and love creating ...

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

The Yardmaster ensures that all rail operations within the yard are conducted safely, on time, and in accordance with federal and company regulations. This role is essential to ensuring that freight ...

Switchman

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$20.70/hr

Job Title Switchman Department Production Schedule 5/8's Location Pasadena, TX Pay Rate $20.70/hr ... Experience in manufacturing, logistics, or rail operations preferred Knowledge & Skills:

As a Switchman/Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

Switchman

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$20.70/hr

Job Title Switchman Department Production Schedule 5/8's Location Pasadena, TX Pay Rate $20.70/hr ... Experience in manufacturing, logistics, or rail operations preferred Knowledge & Skills:

What We Are Looking For The Switchman job involves assisting in the movement of locomotives and ... rail cars, accordingly. • Judges braking and stopping distances in order to give proper radio ...

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Overview Join Join out Railway Operations team at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel! Why the Train ... live and breathe trains, are dedicated to protecting the environment, and love creating ...

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Overview Join Join out Railway Operations team at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel! Why the Train ... live and breathe trains, are dedicated to protecting the environment, and love creating ...

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

Overview Join Join out Railway Operations team at the Grand Canyon Railway and Hotel! Why the Train ... live and breathe trains, are dedicated to protecting the environment, and love creating ...

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency ...

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Live In Rail Switchman information

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How much do live in rail switchman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for live in rail switchman in the United States is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do BNSF Switchman make?

BNSF Railway switchmen, also known as rail switch operators, typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience and location. They often work in shifts and require safety training and certification to operate track switches and ensure safe train movements.

How to become a train Switchman?

To become a live-in rail switchman, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience in rail operations, and knowledge of track switching and safety procedures. Training is often provided on the job, and a valid driver's license and physical fitness are usually required. Certification in safety protocols may also be necessary depending on the employer.

What is the difference between Live In Rail Switchman vs Rail Yard Clerk?

AspectLive In Rail SwitchmanRail Yard Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, administrative skills
Work EnvironmentRailroad tracks, switching yards, outdoorOffice, rail yard administrative areas
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight companiesRailroads, logistics companies

The Live In Rail Switchman primarily works outdoors on the tracks, performing switching and safety duties, often living on-site. In contrast, the Rail Yard Clerk handles administrative tasks within the yard, managing schedules and documentation. Both roles are essential in rail operations but differ significantly in work environment and responsibilities.

What is a Switchman for the railroad salary?

The salary for a railroad switchman typically ranges from $40,000 to $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. Switchmen are responsible for manually switching tracks and ensuring safe train movements, often working outdoors in various weather conditions and requiring safety certifications.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs are typically executive or management positions, such as railroad presidents or chief operating officers, which can earn six-figure salaries. Among operational roles, locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn high wages, often supplemented by overtime and specialized skills. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and company size.
More about Live In Rail Switchman jobs
What cities are hiring for Live In Rail Switchman jobs? Cities with the most Live In Rail Switchman job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switchman jobs? The most popular types of Rail Switchman jobs are:
What states have the most Live In Rail Switchman jobs? States with the most job openings for Live In Rail Switchman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Live In Rail Switchman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Live In Rail Switchman jobs are:
Infographic showing various Live In Rail Switchman job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,288 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Switchman

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Genesee & Wyoming rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

260th of 352 rated logistics


Job description

Company / Benefits Overview:

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below: 

  • Medical, Dental, Vision & Telehealth
  • Life Insurance
  • Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • On the Job Training
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • And more!

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement
* This position DOES NOT pay into Railroad Retirement


Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!


Job Summary:

As a Switchman, you’ll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure that freight is delivered to our customers efficiently. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to set a strong foundation for a long-term career. You’ll work outdoors in all weather conditions, tackling new challenges each day while ensuring we meet our customers’ needs. This is a physically active position with real opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment.

See our employees in action to learn more at https://www.gwrr.com/careers/.


Responsibilities:

  • Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
  • Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
  • Communicate with customers and team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
  • Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
  • Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
  • Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
  • Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
  • Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
  • Inspect the condition of railcars in movement and while stationary
  • Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
  • Utilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentation
  • Perform other duties as assigned


Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

  • Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
  • Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call as needed
  • Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shift
  • Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
  • Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
  • Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
  • Have good balance and coordination
  • Must meet vision requirements


Skills and Experience:

  • 2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
  • Effective communication skills both written and verbal
  • Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
  • Possess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment

 
Required Education and Credentials:

  • High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
  • Valid driver’s license
  • At least 18 years of age

 
Employment Requirements:

  • Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
  • May be subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screening
  • Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history


Relocation:

Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position. 


This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.


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