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Rail Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

360 Rail Services

Railroad Track Laborer

Baytown, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

360 Rail Services, LLC is a locally owned and operated railroad design, construction, and ... Track Inspection Guideline Certification is an asset. * Ability to read and understand specific ...

Targa

Rail Rack Technician

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

Complete all inspections per railcar inspection sheet * Identify repairs that can be performed by Road & Rail Services * Remove and properly store securement devices * Properly secure vehicle for ...

Targa Resources

Rail Rack Technician

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

Complete all inspections per railcar inspection sheet * Identify repairs that can be performed by Road & Rail Services * Remove and properly store securement devices * Properly secure vehicle for ...

HDR

Rail EIT/Coordinator

Houston, TX · On-site

Perform railroad or civil engineering/design calculations and develop design details using ... Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus. * Desire to mentor younger ...

HDR

Rail EIT/Coordinator

Houston, TX

Perform railroad or civil engineering/design calculations and develop design details using ... Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus. * Desire to mentor younger ...

ZXP Technologies

Rail Cart Operator

Highlands, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Perform pre-operation inspections to ensure rail carts are in safe working condition. * Follow all safety guidelines and company policies while operating equipment. * Load and unload materials as ...

ZXP Technologies, LLC

Rail Cart Operator

Highlands, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Perform pre-operation inspections to ensure rail carts are in safe working condition. * Follow all safety guidelines and company policies while operating equipment. * Load and unload materials as ...

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All JobsRail Inspector JobsRail Inspector Jobs in Houston, TX

Rail Inspector information

See Houston, TX salary details

$23.4K

$52.4K

$94.5K

How much do rail inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail inspector in Houston, TX is $52,441.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,700.00 and $60,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail inspector do?

A Rail Inspector is responsible for examining railroad tracks, switches, signals, and other infrastructure to ensure they meet safety and operational standards. They use specialized tools and equipment to detect defects, wear, or damage that could compromise train safety. Rail Inspectors document their findings, recommend repairs, and may oversee maintenance work to ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. Their work is essential to prevent accidents and maintain reliable rail service.

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

To thrive as a Rail Inspector, you need a strong understanding of rail infrastructure, safety standards, and inspection protocols, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with inspection tools, track geometry measurement systems, and reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of railway operations by enabling thorough and accurate assessments.

What are some common challenges faced by rail inspectors and how are they addressed?

Rail Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, adhering to strict safety standards, and managing tight inspection schedules to minimize rail service disruptions. They must stay vigilant for potential hazards and defects that could compromise rail integrity, requiring attention to detail and thorough documentation. Collaboration with maintenance crews and engineers is essential to promptly address issues and ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines. Ongoing training and the use of advanced inspection technologies help Rail Inspectors effectively manage these challenges and maintain safe rail operations.

What is the difference between Rail Inspector vs Track Inspector?

AspectRail InspectorTrack Inspector
CertificationsRailroad certifications, safety trainingTrack inspection certifications, safety courses
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, and railcarsRail tracks, right-of-way, and infrastructure
Employer & IndustryRailroads, transit agenciesRailroads, construction companies
Job FocusInspecting rails, welds, and safety complianceInspecting track conditions, alignment, and stability

Both Rail Inspectors and Track Inspectors work in the rail industry, focusing on safety and infrastructure. Rail Inspectors primarily examine rails, welds, and safety compliance, while Track Inspectors focus on the condition and alignment of tracks. Certifications and work environments overlap, but their specific duties differ based on their inspection focus.

How to become a rail inspector?

To become a rail inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations or maintenance. Many positions require certification in safety standards and knowledge of inspection tools and procedures, with some roles requiring a technical degree or specialized training. On-the-job training is common, and inspectors often work in environments that demand attention to detail and adherence to safety regulations.
Rail Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Inspector job openings in Houston, TX as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, and 13% Part Time. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $52,441 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Houston, TX

Federal Railroad Administration
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Federal Railroad Administrationexternal

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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