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Rail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A minimum of 5 years of Rail maintenance experience required * Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred * Knowledge of Maintenance of Equipment ...

The Rail Maintenance Supervisor independently supervises Maintenance Department personnel (Maintenance Technicians) and their associated duties and responsibilities. Includes supervising the overall ...

The Rail Maintenance Supervisor independently supervises Maintenance Department personnel (Maintenance Technicians) and their associated duties and responsibilities. Includes supervising the overall ...

... activity and maintain metrics to identify trends, inefficiencies, or risks related to rail volumes, rail freight rates, and performance • Prepare analytical data for management of detention ...

... maintain metrics to identify trends, inefficiencies, or risks related to rail volumes, rail freight rates, and performance Prepare analytical data for management of detention, demurrage and fleet ...

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Rail Maintenance information

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$12

$31

$56

How much do rail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail maintenance?

Rail maintenance refers to the ongoing inspection, repair, and upkeep of railway tracks, signals, and associated infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient train operations. This work includes tasks such as replacing worn rails, fixing track alignment, maintaining signaling systems, and clearing debris from tracks. Rail maintenance crews use specialized equipment and often work during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to train schedules. Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing accidents, reducing delays, and extending the lifespan of railway assets.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail maintenance worker?

To thrive as a Rail Maintenance Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of rail infrastructure, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by vocational training. Familiarity with specialized tools, safety systems, and certifications such as OSHA or track safety credentials is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and teamwork are essential soft skills for performing inspections and repairs efficiently. These skills ensure the safe and continuous operation of rail systems, minimizing risks and service disruptions.

What are some of the most common challenges faced by rail maintenance technicians, and how can they be addressed?

Rail maintenance technicians often encounter challenges such as working in harsh weather conditions, adhering to tight maintenance schedules, and ensuring safety standards are met on active railways. Addressing these challenges requires effective teamwork, ongoing safety training, and adaptability to rapidly changing situations. Many employers support technicians by providing comprehensive safety gear, regular skills development workshops, and clear communication channels to coordinate with train operators and other maintenance teams.

What is the difference between Rail Maintenance vs Track Inspector?

AspectRail MaintenanceTrack Inspector
CertificationsRailway safety certifications, equipment operation licensesTrack inspection certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentMaintenance yards, trackside, on-site repairsTrackside, inspection vehicles, remote locations
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies, transit authoritiesRail companies, regulatory agencies

Rail Maintenance involves repairing and maintaining railway infrastructure and equipment, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Track Inspectors focus on examining tracks for defects, safety hazards, and compliance. While both roles require safety certifications and work in similar environments, Rail Maintenance is more hands-on with repairs, whereas Track Inspectors primarily assess track conditions to prevent accidents.

How to get into rail maintenance?

To enter rail maintenance, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with technical training or apprenticeships in railway systems, electrical work, or mechanical repair. Relevant skills include knowledge of safety protocols, ability to operate specialized tools, and sometimes certifications such as OSHA or equipment-specific licenses. Prior experience in construction, manufacturing, or transportation can also be beneficial.
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What job categories do people searching Rail Maintenance jobs look for?

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Infographic showing various Rail Maintenance job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Rail Maintenance Technician

L B Foster Company

Columbia City, IN

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


L.B. Foster rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

A CWR Maintenance Technician travels to various domestic and international job sites, working with customers to coordinate and plan work activities. They are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Pilot Unloader for Continuous Welded Rail (CWR) Train, as well as performing maintenance for Yard Operations at the Columbia City Yard.

Responsibilities (Essential Functions):

1. Demonstrate effective communication with Railway personnel, over the phone and email, to plan / schedule unloading the rail train.
2. Perform equipment maintenance (CWR Operations) in the field by completing preventive maintenance requirements as related to rail train cars and unloader units, following manuals, diagrams, manufacturer’s instructions, and engineering specifications.
3. Perform equipment maintenance at Columbia City yard. Ensure operation of machinery and equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements on engines, hydraulic tools, rail saw, conveyor systems, portable hydraulic equipment, following manuals, diagrams manufacturer’s instructions and engineering specifications.
4. Remove and or fabricate parts by using provided machinery equipment and tools (power tools, forklifts, grinders, MIG and stick welders, and plasma and acetylene torches).
5. Maintains technical knowledge by attending educational classes, workshops and reviewing technical publications and establishing professional networks.
6. Coordinate work with outside vendors and ensure L.B Foster’s quality standards and expectations are being met.
7. Lead the functions of the Safety Committee, under the direction of the Columbia City Yard manager.
8. Perform documentation and reporting of all work-related activities including miles traveled / tested, travel expenses, vehicle logbooks, daily work reports, etc.
9. Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations.
10. Ability to work with very little supervision and stay on task.
11. All other duties as assigned. 

Experience, Education, & License Requirements: 

• High School graduate or equivalent required.
• 2-year technical degree preferred
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Valid U.S. Passport required.
• Welding experience preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of hydraulic, mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and schematics reading experience required.
• E-Railsafe and Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) certification for applicable client railways, plus other customer-based training as may be required to access work sites.
• Employee will need to have current Passport.

Physical Requirements:

  • The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move up to 100 lbs. and be subjected to occasional moderate to intense physical exertion while performing required duties on uneven and rocky surfaces.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, sit, walk, use hands and finger to handle or feel objects, tools or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb, balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, for prolonged periods of time.
  • Work may also involve:
    • Proximity to moving mechanical parts
    • Exposure to risk of electrical shock
    • Moderate heights to access equipment for repair / inspection or when traveling/working on Unloader train
    • Inclement weather conditions (e.g. wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold or heat)
    • Exposure to fumes, airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals
    • Moderate to high noise levels
  • The employee may be assigned to work at a client's office or job site. Conditions may vary at each location, but those listed above will generally apply.

Skills & Abilities: 

• Strong communication (verbal and computer) and time management skills.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Software.
• Demonstrates a high degree of reliability, professionalism, and the ability to work independently are critical attributes for this position.
• Sound technical writing skills are required for work report submissions.
• Ability and willingness to follow all applicable safety and operating rules for client railways in a professional and conscientious manner.
• Extensive work time spent in the field with other time spent in the yard.
• Extensive travel to work sites throughout North America is required on a weekly basis.
• Overtime hours may be necessary as workloads dictate. This may include weekdays, weekends and/or holidays.
• Extensive travel and ability to mobilize to requested work sites on short notice by air or ground. Some assignments may last up to 2-3 weeks before return home is possible for compensatory time-off.

Competencies: 

• Teamwork/Facilitates Collaboration
• Communication
• Adaptability/Flexibility
• Accountability/Work Ethic
• Attention to Detail/Time Management
• Integrity & Trust
• Customer Focus
• Continuous Improvement


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