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Live In Rail Switchman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual ...

... in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual ...

... in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual ...

M-F, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM potential for overtime Job Summary The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial ...

We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve Rail Switching Technicians are responsible ...

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Description Summary: responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars into a yard. Throws switches and couples, or attaches to cable, to railcars being hauled by locomotive in industrial ...

Rail Operator

Morris, IL · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Rail Car Mover including switchmen or Locomotive / Track Mobile Engineer preferred. * Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting. * Good understanding of Rail Track ...

Rail Operator

Rincon, GA · On-site

$21/hr

Rail Car Mover including switchmen or Locomotive / Track Mobile Engineer preferred. * Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting. * Good understanding of Rail Track ...

... live and work. We are seeking a Rail / Transportation Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field. * Registered Professional Engineer (PE ...

Chemical Plant Loader

Plaquemine, LA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Chemical Plant Loader / Rail Switchman Looking to join a company that values safety, training, and ... This is your opportunity to build a stable, long-term career in the industrial chemical industry ...

Professional Engineer - Rail

Dallas, TX

$81K - $108K/yr

... live and work. We are seeking a Rail / Transportation Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field. * Registered Professional Engineer (PE ...

... in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual ...

Professional Engineer - Rail

Houston, TX

$78K - $105K/yr

... live and work. We are seeking a Rail / Transportation Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field. * Registered Professional Engineer (PE ...

Professional Engineer - Rail

Dallas, TX · On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

... live and work. We are seeking a Rail / Transportation Professional Engineer (PE) to lead and ... Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field. * Registered Professional Engineer (PE ...

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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.
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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.
Conductor/Switchman

Conductor/Switchman

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Catawba, SC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 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

Paid on the Job Training- Outdoor Work Experience Ideal - Rail Yard Experience a plus!  

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

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

Job Summary:

While prior railyard experience is ideal, any outdoor work experience is a plus. We offer paid training! 

As a Conductor/Switchman, you’ll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure operational efficiency. 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 true opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment. This position will plan and coordinate safe efficient train movements and proper makeup of outbound trains and switching of inbound trains and has the opportunity to advance into a Locomotive Operator role. 

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
  • Ensure that trains are properly made up and dispatched at the appointed times
  • Coordinate train movement and conditions affecting movements such as weather conditions, train crew availability, engine and equipment availability, track bulletins, general orders, and timetables
  • Perform various administrative duties related to customers system, documentation of train movements, proper paperwork, email and teams’ correspondence.
  • Assist in all activities that support the operation of crew management to ensure that train job positions are filled to operate the railroad in a safe and efficient manner and that customer needs are met
  • Manage other projects and 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
  • Background in transportation, logistics or intermodal is a plus

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 eighteen 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 a specific entity set forth in the job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other protected status protected under federal, state or local laws.


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