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Rail Apprentice Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Hulcher Services Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Our teams help restore rail service safely and efficiently using specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. What You'll Do As a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I, you'll train ...

Hulcher Services, Inc.

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Our teams help restore rail service safely and efficiently using specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. What You'll Do As a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I, you'll train ...

Hulcher Services, Inc

Apprentice Operator I

Chicago, IL · On-site

$26.84 - $28.52/hr

Our teams help restore rail service safely and efficiently using specialized equipment and highly trained personnel. What You'll Do As a CDL A Heavy Equipment Operator Apprentice I, you'll train ...

Union Pacific

Apprentice Freight Car Repair

Dolton, IL

$16.25 - $21/hr

Description Join our team at one of North America's leading railroad companies and embark on a comprehensive three-year training program to become a skilled Freight Car Repairer! As an apprentice in ...

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All JobsRail Apprentice JobsRail Apprentice Jobs in Illinois

Rail Apprentice information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$21

$36

How much do rail apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail apprentice in Illinois is $21.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail apprentice?

Rail apprentices are individuals who are undergoing structured training programs to learn the skills and knowledge required for various roles within the rail industry, such as train operations, track maintenance, signaling, or engineering. These apprenticeships combine on-the-job training with classroom-based learning, allowing participants to earn while they learn. Rail apprenticeships are designed to provide a clear pathway into a rewarding career in the rail sector, often leading to full-time employment upon successful completion. Programs typically last between one and four years, depending on the specialization and level.

What types of hands-on projects or tasks can I expect as a rail apprentice?

As a Rail Apprentice, you will be involved in a variety of hands-on tasks such as inspecting and maintaining railway tracks, assisting with the installation and repair of signaling equipment, and working alongside experienced rail engineers on real-world projects. You'll often participate in routine safety checks, help with equipment setup, and support general track maintenance. This practical, team-based work environment provides valuable exposure to different aspects of the rail industry and offers a strong foundation for future specialization or advancement.

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

To thrive as a Rail Apprentice, you need a foundational understanding of engineering principles, basic math skills, and usually a relevant high school diploma or vocational qualification. Familiarity with rail-specific safety standards, hand and power tools, and sometimes certifications like Personal Track Safety (PTS) are typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, effective operations and support professional development within the rail industry.

What is the difference between Rail Apprentice vs Rail Technician?

AspectRail ApprenticeRail Technician
Required CredentialsTypically a high school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; some programs require technical coursesVocational training or technical certification; experience in maintenance or repair
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, rail yards, on-site construction areasRailway facilities, maintenance depots, on-site repair locations
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, construction firms, transit authoritiesRail companies, maintenance providers, transit agencies

The main difference is that a Rail Apprentice is in training to become a Rail Technician, focusing on learning skills on the job, while a Rail Technician is a skilled worker responsible for maintaining and repairing railway systems. Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for a career in rail maintenance, whereas technicians are already qualified professionals performing technical tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Rail jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Apprentice jobs in Illinois?

For Rail Apprentice jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Apprentice jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Apprentice jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Rail Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Rail Apprentice job openings:

Rail Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Apprentice job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,387 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice

Carbondale, IL • On-site

Drummac, Inc.
Trucking • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Drummac, Inc.external

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

**THIS IS A NIGHTTIME POSITION 9PM-530AM / subj to change**

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Drummac, Inc. is an integrated rail services company that specializes in providing mechanical and janitorial services to the transportation industry. With operations located across the United States, the services we perform range in scope from routine mechanical maintenance, inspections, repairs and cleaning to providing equipment and supplies for the transportation industry with a niche in passenger rail. We provide these services using in-house resources, which enables us to provide best-in-class quality control.

JOB SUMMARY:

A Mechanical Apprentice, known at Drummac as Qualified Person (QP) must be able to work in compliance while maintaining and repairing passenger rail cars and locomotives while working under the supervision of our Passenger Rail Mechanic. They must adhere to and maintain strict compliance with corporate/office policies and procedures, established health and safety protocols, and all applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Performs air brake inspection of passenger cars, private cars and have knowledge of air brake systems
  • Performs locomotive daily inspection; able to troubleshoot and handle repair/replacement of parts
  • Troubleshoots passenger cars including but not limited to toilet systems, air conditioning systems, doors, panels, lights, electrical systems and brake systems along with making any necessary repairs
  • Ability to fill out regulatory, client and Company-required paperwork
  • Performs necessary electrical tests, removes, disassembles, replaces, repairs, modifies, rebuilds, assembles, adjusts, and maintains batteries and all electrical equipment or components on locomotives
  • Communicates written and/or verbal findings of inspections to Supervisor
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, holidays, and on-call is required
  • Flexible schedule to accommodate dynamic train schedules
  • Ability to work outdoors in inclement work conditions is required
  • Wears and uses required protective equipment while working
  • Takes responsibility for own safety while on the job
  • Cleans and polishes lighting fixtures, floors, seats, surfaces and trim.
  • Cleans passenger cars, restrooms and replenishes bathroom supplies.
  • Empties wastebaskets, empties and cleans ashtrays.
  • Transports trash and waste to disposal area.
  • Performs other related duties as required or assigned
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Valid driver's license is required.
  • Requires High School Diploma or GED.
  • Trade school or formal railroad locomotive or diesel mechanical maintenance training required.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical or locomotive electrical or industrial heavy equipment mechanical experience is required.
  • Successful completion of a pre-employment (background/drug) screening process.


Hourly rate hiring range for Passenger Rail Mechanic Apprentice candidates in Carbondale, IL: $23-$25/hour.

Actual hourly rate offered will be determined based on multiple factors which include relevant skills and experience. In addition to hourly wage, full-time employees will be offered the following benefits:

  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Long-Term Disability coverage
  • Short-Term Disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Newly hired employees will accrue PTO at a rate of 1 hour for every 40 worked


Drummac is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in a drug free work environment to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

Drummac is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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