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Rail Grinder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Road & Rail Services

Railroad Carman

Burnet, TX · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Ability to use hand tools (such as pipe wrenches, pry bars, wrenches, ratchets, and other equipment to chip and grind weld slag or spatter) Company Profile : Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services ...

Road & Rail Services

Railroad Carman

Burnet, TX · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Ability to use hand tools (such as pipe wrenches, pry bars, wrenches, ratchets, and other equipment to chip and grind weld slag or spatter) Company Profile : Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services ...

Road & Rail Services

Railroad Carman

Bertram, TX · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Ability to use hand tools (such as pipe wrenches, pry bars, wrenches, ratchets, and other equipment to chip and grind weld slag or spatter) Company Profile : Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services ...

Herzog

Track Welder

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$43.21/hr

Knowledge of the safe and proper procedures for operating this equipment and other specialized welding equipment; such as rail grinder, hand grinder, torches, crucibles, rail sheers, rail molds, etc.

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How much do rail grinder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail grinder in the United States is $19.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Rail grinder operators can earn around $4,000 per week, especially with overtime and experience, as they work in the railway maintenance industry. These roles typically require specialized training, safety certifications, and physical stamina, but they do not usually require a college degree. High-paying skilled trades like this often depend on experience, certifications, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

What does a typical workday look like for a Rail Grinder?

A typical day for a Rail Grinder involves operating heavy rail grinding equipment to maintain and restore railway tracks, conducting routine inspections, and performing preventive maintenance. You’ll often work as part of a crew, handling physical tasks outdoors in all weather conditions, sometimes during overnight or weekend shifts to avoid disrupting train schedules. Collaboration with engineers, supervisors, and other maintenance personnel is common to ensure all safety protocols are followed and project timelines are met. The role can be physically demanding but is rewarding for those who enjoy hands-on work and contributing to the safety of rail transportation. Over time, experienced Rail Grinders may advance to supervisory or specialized technical positions within railway maintenance teams.

What is a Rail Grinder job?

A Rail Grinder is responsible for operating specialized machinery to maintain and repair railroad tracks by grinding and smoothing the rails. This process helps extend the lifespan of the tracks, improve train safety, and reduce wear on train wheels. Rail Grinders often work in teams, following scheduled maintenance plans and ensuring tracks remain in optimal condition. The job requires mechanical skills, attention to detail, and adherence to safety regulations. It can involve working long hours in varying weather conditions and traveling to different locations.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs typically include senior management roles such as railroad executives, as well as specialized positions like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical skills, and can offer salaries exceeding six figures depending on experience and location.

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

To excel as a Rail Grinder, you need a solid understanding of mechanical operations, rail maintenance, and safety regulations, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with specialized rail grinding machines, safety gear, and possibly certifications such as OSHA or track safety standards is crucial. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential to ensuring the quality, safety, and efficiency of rail grinding operations.

What do rail grinders do?

Rail grinders are workers who operate specialized equipment to smooth and restore the surface of railroad tracks. They use grinding machines to remove irregularities, reduce rail wear, and improve track alignment, ensuring safer and more efficient train operations. The job often requires knowledge of track geometry and safety procedures.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

High-paying jobs that can reach $500,000 annually include executive roles such as CEOs, CFOs, and other C-suite positions, as well as specialized professions like top surgeons, investment bankers, and successful entrepreneurs. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and often involve leadership, high responsibility, or performance-based bonuses.
More about Rail Grinder jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Grinder jobs? The most popular types of Rail Grinder jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Grinder jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Grinder jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rail Grinder jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Grinder jobs are:
Rail Grinder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Grinder job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,515 per year, or $19 per hour.

Project Superintendent - Rail Grinding & Milling

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

New Milford, CT

$80K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Oversee and manage numerous rail grinding and rail milling teams, which includes

          • Approving expenses
          • Approving payroll
          • Scheduling rotations
          • Participating in hiring of new team members

                                                Basic understanding of rail treatment

          • Identify rail surface defects (spalling, corrugation, engine burns)
          • Understanding of how track geometry and track substructure plays a role in development of rail surface conditions
          • Assess and/or survey rail condition and develop long term rail treatment plan
          • Provide input to the development of the annual budget and oversees cost control for the rail grinding and milling programs
          • Knowledge and can explain difference between rail grinding and rail milling
          • Knowledge and can explain when to perform rail grinding and when to perform rail milling
          • Basic knowledge of rail grinding and rail milling operations
            • Operational set-up (grinders, watch trucks, final patrol)
            • Complete on-site inspections and audits of equipment
            • Must know already or will learn how to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot rail grinding and milling equipment
Requirements
  • Individual with at least 5-7 years railways experience in the railway Engineering Department
  • Familiarity with grinding and milling practices and procedures common to the industry
  • Coordinating/influencing skills
  • Strong communicator across multiple functions
  • Required to be on call on a regular basis outside of normal business hours and workdays
  • Proficient with a computer, (Microsoft Office)
  • Already has or is able to obtain a Passport
$80,000 - $120,000 a year

Travel Schedule:           (Subject to change)  3 weeks in field / 1 week home

Territory Covered:        North America

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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