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Overnight Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction ...

Rail Operator

Wellington, UT · On-site

$28.75/hr

Stage and secure railcars for inbound/outbound switches and railcar repair. * Perform general ... Occasional overnight travel may be required. The physical requirements and work environment ...

Maintain clear communication via radio and hand signals to ensure safe switching operations. * Follow all company safety policies, OSHA standards, and railroad operating procedures to prevent ...

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Overnight Rail Switch Operator information

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$12

$23

$39

How much do overnight rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for overnight rail switch operator in the United States is $23.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Overnight Rail Switch Operator vs Yard Switcher?

AspectOvernight Rail Switch OperatorYard Switcher
CredentialsRailroad certifications, safety trainingRailroad certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching tracks overnightRail yards, switching trains and cars
Industry UsageCommon in freight railroads, overnight shiftsFreight yards, often daytime or shift work

Both roles involve switching rail cars within yards, requiring similar certifications and safety protocols. The main difference is that the Overnight Rail Switch Operator typically works overnight shifts and may have more responsibilities related to train movements, while Yard Switchers often work during the day and focus on organizing rail cars within the yard.

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. Physical stamina and the ability to work overnight shifts are also important considerations.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs that can pay $2,000 a day typically include specialized roles such as high-level consultants, surgeons, corporate executives, or certain skilled trades like commercial pilots or project managers with significant experience. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, or extensive experience, and may involve high-pressure environments or demanding schedules.

What railroad makes the most money?

Among railroads, Union Pacific and BNSF Railway are the largest and most profitable freight carriers in the United States. These companies generate significant revenue through freight transportation, which can impact the wages and job stability of positions like overnight rail switch operators. Profitability often depends on freight volume, efficiency, and operational costs.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs typically include senior management roles such as railroad executives and operations directors, as well as specialized positions like locomotive engineers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced skills, certifications, and years of experience, and can earn six-figure salaries. In general, leadership and technical expertise in the railroad industry command the highest compensation.
More about Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Overnight 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 Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Overnight Rail Switch Operator jobs are:
Infographic showing various Overnight Rail Switch Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,098 per year, or $23.6 per hour.
Rail Switching Technician- Marion, OH

Rail Switching Technician- Marion, OH

Marmon

Marion, OH

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently to support daily rail switching operations.

  • Perform railcar switching, placement, coupling, and uncoupling according to operational schedules and procedures.

  • Inspect locomotives and rail equipment, and communicate movement instructions with crews and site leadership.


Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Railserve

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Marion to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars to support customer operations and production schedules.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement within rail operations.

Who We Are
Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve

Job Description
Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into leadership and skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule
Schedule based on operational and customer needs
Overtime, weekends, holidays, and shift work may be required

Compensation
$25.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience

Duties
Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
Inspect locomotives prior to operation
Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
Assist in training new employees as needed
Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements
Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements
High school diploma or GED required
Reliable transportation required
Strong attendance and dependability required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively
Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)
Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information
Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
Moderate to heavy physical labor required
Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
Required use of personal protective equipment
Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures

Grow With Us
Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

#LI-DNI

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.


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