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Rail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

$118K - $178K/yr

The Logistics Leader for Rail is responsible for negotiating contracts with railroads, lessors, and ... Interpret sales forecast from commercial into demand along with maintaining appropriate safety ...

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Rail Maintenance information

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$56

How much do rail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

In rail maintenance, high-paying roles such as senior project managers, specialized engineers, or consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience, certifications, and working on large-scale projects. These positions often require advanced skills, safety training, and the ability to manage complex operations in demanding environments.

What's the highest paid maintenance job?

In rail maintenance, senior roles such as Rail Maintenance Managers or Supervisors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, technical skills, and certifications, and may involve overseeing large teams and complex repair operations.

What's the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically senior management roles such as railroad executives, or specialized technical positions like locomotive engineers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced certifications, years of experience, and sometimes union negotiations, and they can offer six-figure salaries. Skilled positions such as signal engineers and project managers also tend to have higher compensation within the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Rail Maintenance Worker, and why are they important?

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 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.

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 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 does a railway maintenance do?

A railway maintenance worker inspects, repairs, and maintains tracks, signals, and other railway infrastructure to ensure safety and operational efficiency. They use tools and follow safety protocols, often working in various weather conditions and requiring certifications such as safety training or equipment operation licenses.
More about Rail Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Rail Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Rail Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Maintenance jobs include:
Maintenance Planner (Term-Limited)

Maintenance Planner (Term-Limited)

Sound Transit

Seattle, WA • On-site

$81K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday


Job description

Salary range is $81k to $155k with a midpoint of $108k. New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market. 

Sound Transit also offers a competitive benefits package with a wide range of offerings, including:

  • Health Benefits: We offer two choices of medical plans, a dental plan, and a vision plan all at no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive benefits for employees and eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
  • Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Retirement Plans: 401a – 10% of employee contribution with a 12% match by Sound Transit; 457b – up to IRS maximum (employee only contribution).
  • Paid Time Off: Employees accrue 25 days of paid time off annually with increases at four, eight and twelve years of service. Employees at the director level and up accrue additional days. We also observe 12 paid holidays and provide up to 2 paid floating holidays and up to 2 paid volunteer days per year.
  • Parental Leave: 12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
  • Pet Insurance discount
  • ORCA Card: All full-time employees will receive an ORCA card at no cost.
  • Tuition Reimbursement: Sound Transit will pay up to $5,000 annually for approved tuition expenses.
  • Compensation Practices: We offer competitive salaries based on market rates and internal equity. In addition to compensation and benefits, you’ll find that we provide work-life balance, opportunities for professional development and recognition from your colleagues.

This is a Term-Limited position with an anticipated duration of 24 months.

GENERAL PURPOSE: 

Under general direction performs detailed lifecycle analysis of existing transit operations and maintenance assets and for new rail extensions and transit service, including detailed operational and overhaul costs. Prepares and maintains a high level report for future maintenance, midlife rebuilding, and replacement planning for all existing transit assets including, Light Rail Vehicles, Way, Power and Signals, NRVs and SCADA assets. Responsible for planning, scheduling, budget, and coordination of all plannable maintenance work, overhauls, and rebuilds performed within Link; maintains complete records and files essential to a complete analysis and reporting of maintenance-related matters. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

The following duties are a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties. 

  • Develops and maintains detailed rail technical maintenance/overhaul plans for existing and proposed rail extensions to include the Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) fleet overhaul and replacement requirements based on annual operations.  
  • Analyzes, develops, and maintains maintenance plans, costs, personnel requirements, and life cycle maintenance requirements for the new extensions, systems, equipment, and vehicles. Prepares estimates for maintenance support facilities, equipment, and staffing requirements for vehicles, systems, and right-of-way assets.  
  • Develops detailed documentation of maintenance costing methodology that clearly identifies costs assumptions for a range of different operating scenarios. Performs analysis of existing rail operations, systems, and support equipment including segmented overhaul costs, completion times, labor hours, and milestones, making recommendations where necessary for future extensions, additional vehicles, and additional maintenance facilities.  
  • Assists in developing rail maintenance performance criteria, reporting procedures and reporting formats, and recommends operational procedures required to meet performance goals.  
  • Coordinates technical staff and consultants engaged in rail maintenance planning development.  
  • Works closely with Link operations and maintenance staff to determine scheduling, asset usage, and maximum life span prior to replacement or rebuild.  
  • Stays abreast of technical developments in light rail maintenance through participation in peer reviews, transit industry committees, and other technical groups or associations.  
  • Maintains and audits essential records to support required management reports to include, but not limited to car history books and files, purchase requisitions, parts lists (Bills of Material), and work order feedback and accuracy.  
  • Provides support to the division/department and others on matters as directed; serves as staff on a variety of committees as assigned; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence; attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields related to light rail maintenance; recommends/incorporates new developments as appropriate; ensures processes, policies, and practices are developed, interpreted, and applied consistently and effectively; performs regular reviews of agency Standard Maintenance Procedures; ensures accountability and compliance with all current and applicable state and federal laws, agency policies and procedures, rules and regulations.  
  • Champions and models Sound Transit's core values and demonstrates values-based behaviors in everyday interactions across the agency. 
  • Contributes to a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion in alignment with Sound Transit’s Equity & Inclusion Policy. 
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to follow the Agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures pertaining to their assigned duties and responsibilities, which could include systems, operations, and/or other employees. 
  • It is the responsibility of all employees to integrate sustainability into everyday business practices. 
  • Other duties as assigned. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Electronics/Electrical Maintenance, or related field. Four years of experience in maintenance operations and/or planning that includes budgetary responsibility, preferably in a heavy or light rail system; Or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 

Required Knowledge and Skills: 

  • Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a light rail transit system.  
  • In-depth knowledge of work order management system MMIS or similar.  
  • Methods and techniques of vehicle maintenance operations standards and practices.  
  • Principles and practices of traction electrification, signals, communications, and computer systems.  
  • Interpreting and applying applicable standard operation procedures, standard maintenance procedures, and operating rules. Familiar with APTA standards and guidelines.  
  • Principles and procedurees of record keeping.  
  • Public relations principles.  
  • Principles and practices of program development, management, and administration.  
  • Policy and procedure development.  
  • Techniques to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adjust to changing priorities.  
  • Warranty administration policies and principals.  
  • Industry codes, standards, and certifications.  
  • Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as they apply to transit operations.  
  • Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration.  
  • Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.  
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  
  • Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and statistical databases.  
  • Utilizing personal computer software programs affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets and reports.  
  • Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with other department staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the general public.  
  • Interpreting and administering policies and procedures sufficient to administer, discuss, resolve, and explain them to staff and other constituencies.  
  • Demonstrating a positive customer service orientation with both internal and external clients.  
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills.  
  • Interpreting and applying applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.  
  • Preparing and analyzing complex data and comprehensive reports.  
  • Responding to inquiries and in effective oral and written communication.  
  • Researching, analyzing, and evaluating new maintenance, rebuilding and refurbishment methods, and techniques.  
  • Working cooperatively with other departments, Agency officials, and outside agencies.  
  • Developing and monitoring departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules. 

Physical Demands / Work Environment:   

  • Work is performed in a standard hybrid office environment.
  • The Agency promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all personnel as required.  

Sound Transit is an equal employment opportunity employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from employment action based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation and pregnancy), age, genetic information, disability, veteran status or other protected class.