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Model Railroad Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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$66

How much do model railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for model railroad in California is $30.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $38.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a model railroad?

A Model Railroad job typically involves designing, building, maintaining, and operating model train layouts. Professionals in this field may work in museums, hobby shops, theme parks, or as independent designers. Responsibilities can include crafting realistic landscapes, wiring electrical components, and troubleshooting mechanical issues. Some model railroaders also contribute to historical preservation by recreating accurate railway scenes. The job requires a mix of artistic, engineering, and problem-solving skills.

What are some common challenges faced in a model railroad technician role?

Model Railroad Technicians often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting electrical issues, maintaining precise track alignment, and integrating digital controls into existing layouts. Working on detailed scenery and miniature structures also requires a steady hand and a keen eye for realism. The role frequently involves collaborating with designers, other technicians, and sometimes the public, especially when displays are part of museums or exhibitions. Adaptability and effective communication are essential for addressing unexpected issues and meeting client or exhibitor expectations. By staying organized and proactive, technicians can overcome these challenges and deliver impressive model railroad experiences.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the model railroad position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Model Railroader (often formally titled Model Railroad Technician or Model Railroad Builder), you need strong skills in mechanical assembly, electrical wiring, and attention to detail, often backed by experience in hobby electronics or model construction. Familiarity with power tools, DCC (Digital Command Control) systems, and basic carpentry or soldering is highly beneficial, while certifications in electronics or model railroading can be an advantage. Creativity, patience, and strong problem-solving abilities enable you to troubleshoot and enhance complex layouts or exhibits. These combined technical and soft skills are crucial for building, maintaining, and operating intricate model railroad displays that delight clients and audiences.

What are the most commonly searched types of Model Railroad jobs in California?

The most popular types of Model Railroad jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Model Railroad jobs in California?

For Model Railroad jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Model Railroad jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Model Railroad jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Model Railroad jobs?

Cities in California with the most Model Railroad job openings:

Model Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Model Railroad job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,391 per year, or $31 per hour.

Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer

Zephyr Rail

Orange, CA • On-site

$140/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

About Zephyr Rail
Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned Zweig Group's recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for three consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.
Job Summary
As a Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer, you will be key to our design team, leading drainage design, water resources engineering, and hydraulic modeling for complex rail projects, especially for Class I railroads, commuter rail, and transit authorities. You'll create engineering solutions, prepare technical reports, support permitting, and collaborate across teams. Your duties include technical analyses, developing drainage solutions, producing detailed reports, designing stormwater systems, and ensuring project compliance with regulations.
Responsibilities
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HY-8, and CivilStorm.
  • Design stormwater systems, culverts, channel improvements, and erosion control measures for rail infrastructure.
  • Conduct floodplain assessments and support FEMA submittals and USACE Section 404 permit applications.
  • Prepare drainage reports, technical memoranda, and plan sets in coordination with project teams.
  • Support QA/QC efforts and mentor junior staff as needed.
  • Interface with clients, Class I railroads, public agencies, and municipalities.

Representative Projects at Zephyr Rail
  • Hydraulic modeling and culvert design supporting LA Metro, Metrolink (SCRRA), CSX, UPRR, and BNSF corridor improvements.
  • Floodplain mitigation for new rail bridge construction in FEMA-regulated areas.
  • Stormwater management design for rail siding extensions, yard capacity improvements, and Quiet Zone projects.
  • Drainage and hydraulic analysis for at-grade crossing upgrades.
  • Emergency drainage assessments related to failed culverts, scour concerns, and storm damage.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering (or a related field).
  • A minimum of 5 years of H&H experience, with at least 7 years in Class I railroads (such as UPRR, BNSF, NS, and CSX), commuter rail, or light rail transit projects.
  • A California Engineer-in-Training (EIT) is mandatory, and having a California Professional Engineer (P.E.) license is highly preferred.
  • Proficiency with H&H modeling tools and familiarity with MicroStation and/or AutoCAD.
  • Working knowledge of railroad drainage standards, FEMA guidelines, and relevant permitting processes.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

Compensation and Benefits
  • Base Salary - $140, 000 - $200,000 DOE.
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance - 100% employer-paid for employees; 50% for dependents.
  • Retirement - 401K with employer match
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Time

How to Apply
We're excited to hear from you! Feel free to apply directly on our careers page or learn more about the opportunities at www.zuirail.com/current-openings/ . If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, don't hesitate to send your resume to [email protected]. We would be pleased to consider you as a potential new member of our passionate team!
At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Note to Recruiters and Job Placement Agencies
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from recruiters or agencies. We will consider any unsolicited resumes we receive as our property and will process them accordingly. We will only consider direct applicants.
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