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Rail Maintenance Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Rail Service Technician

Crete, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Railcar Maintenance Equipment for Freight and Transit Railroads * Hydraulic Railcar Maintenance ... Rail Service Technician ID: 71420298 Department: Rail Maintenance Equipment Location: Crete, IL ...

Track Maintenance Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.22 - $37.83/hr

The starting (hiring) hourly rate for the Track Maintenance Technician position is $25.22. The full ... The Track Maintainer ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the light rail ...

Track Maintenance Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.22 - $37.83/hr

The starting (hiring) hourly rate for the Track Maintenance Technician position is $25.22. The full ... The Track Maintainer ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the light rail ...

Maintenance Technician About our Company: Vossloh/Rocla Concrete Ties is committed to serving North ... Our comprehensive offering of rail infrastructure products includes special trackwork, rail ...

Maintenance Technician About our Company: Vossloh/Rocla Concrete Ties is committed to serving North ... Our comprehensive offering of rail infrastructure products includes special trackwork, rail ...

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Rail Maintenance Technician information

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$12

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$32

How much do rail maintenance technician jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail maintenance technician in the United States is $22.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail maintenance technician?

Rail maintenance technicians are skilled professionals responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks, signaling systems, and related infrastructure. They ensure the safe and efficient operation of trains by performing preventative maintenance, troubleshooting issues, and replacing worn or damaged components. Their work is essential for minimizing service disruptions and maintaining the overall safety of the rail network. Rail maintenance technicians often work in teams, sometimes during nights or weekends, to minimize the impact on train schedules.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rail maintenance technician?

To thrive as a Rail Maintenance Technician, you need a solid background in mechanical and electrical systems, often supported by vocational training or an associate degree in a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance management systems (CMMS), and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and attention to detail are essential soft skills for identifying issues and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining the reliability and safety of rail infrastructure, minimizing downtime, and supporting efficient transportation.

What are common challenges faced by rail maintenance technicians?

Rail Maintenance Technicians often work in environments where safety and precision are critical, and one of the main challenges is managing the physical demands of the job, such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions and handling heavy equipment. Additionally, technicians frequently need to respond to unexpected issues or urgent repairs, which can require flexible hours and quick problem-solving skills. Collaborating with other team members and departments is also essential, as maintenance work often overlaps with train operations and scheduling. Staying up-to-date with the latest safety protocols and technology upgrades is another key aspect of the role.

What is the difference between Rail Maintenance Technician vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail Maintenance TechnicianSignal Maintainer
CertificationsTypically requires general technical certifications, safety trainingRequires specific signal system certifications and electrical training
Work EnvironmentWorks on tracks, rolling stock, and infrastructureFocuses on electrical and electronic signal systems along rail lines
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in railroads, transit agencies, freight companiesPrimarily in transit agencies, railroads, and signaling companies
Job FocusMaintains tracks, equipment, and infrastructureMaintains and repairs signaling and communication systems

While both roles are essential in rail operations, Rail Maintenance Technicians focus on general track and infrastructure maintenance, whereas Signal Maintainers specialize in electrical and signaling systems. Both require safety training and technical skills, but Signal Maintainers need specific certifications related to electrical systems. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right career path in the rail industry.

Who are the top companies hiring for Rail Maintenance Technician jobs?

The top employers for Rail Maintenance Technician jobs are:

What states have the most Rail Maintenance Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Maintenance Technician jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Maintenance Technician jobs?

For Rail Maintenance Technician jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Maintenance Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,741 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

Rail Maintenance Technician

Columbia City, IN • On-site

L B Foster Company
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 16 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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