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Rail Planner Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Rail Project Manager

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$130K - $175K/yr

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects. * Define and manage ...

Intermodal (rail) planning/operations preferred * Basic knowledge of company's various business operations * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills * Organized, detail oriented, and ability ...

Senior Transit Planner

New York, NY · On-site +1

$95K - $142K/yr

The successful candidate will have experience with (two or more) of the following: transit service development, bus network redesigns, bus priority/BRT planning, rail planning studies, tactical ...

Senior Transit Planner

Philadelphia, PA · On-site +1

$95K - $142K/yr

The successful candidate will have experience with (two or more) of the following: transit service development, bus network redesigns, bus priority/BRT planning, rail planning studies, tactical ...

Intermodal (rail) planning/operations preferred * Basic knowledge of company's various business operations * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills * Organized, detail oriented, and ability ...

Senior Transit Planner

New York, NY · On-site

$95K - $142K/yr

The successful candidate will have experience with (two or more) of the following: transit service development, bus network redesigns, bus priority/BRT planning, rail planning studies, tactical ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Planner information

See salary details

$23.5K

$63.1K

$133.5K

How much do rail planner jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail planner in the United States is $63,120.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail planner do?

A rail planner is responsible for designing, coordinating, and optimizing train schedules and routes to ensure efficient and safe railway operations. They analyze passenger demand, network capacity, and logistical factors to create timetables that meet service requirements. Rail planners also collaborate with engineers, government agencies, and other stakeholders to plan rail infrastructure projects and improvements. Their work helps enhance transportation efficiency, reduce delays, and improve the overall passenger experience.

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

To thrive as a Rail Planner, you need strong analytical abilities, transportation planning knowledge, and typically a degree in urban planning, civil engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, transportation modeling tools, and project management systems is essential. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills help you coordinate with stakeholders and navigate complex planning challenges. These skills are vital for developing efficient, safe, and sustainable rail transport solutions that meet community and regulatory requirements.

How does a rail planner typically collaborate with other departments to develop efficient transportation schedules?

Rail Planners work closely with operations teams, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to create and adjust train schedules that optimize capacity and minimize delays. They also coordinate with customer service and logistics departments to ensure that schedules align with passenger needs and freight requirements. Regular meetings and real-time communication are essential for managing disruptions, implementing changes, and maintaining safety standards. This collaborative approach helps ensure that services run smoothly and efficiently across the rail network.

What is the difference between Rail Planner vs Rail Scheduler?

AspectRail PlannerRail Scheduler
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in transportation, logistics, or related fieldSimilar credentials, often with logistics or transportation background
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, coordinating schedules and planning routesOffice or field-based, focusing on detailed scheduling tasks
Industry UsageUsed by rail companies for strategic planningUsed for operational scheduling and timetable adjustments
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared due to overlapping responsibilities in rail operationsRelated but more focused on day-to-day scheduling

The main difference between a Rail Planner and a Rail Scheduler lies in their scope. Rail Planners focus on strategic, long-term planning of rail routes and network optimization, while Rail Schedulers handle detailed, daily scheduling tasks to ensure smooth operations. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but their responsibilities differ in scale and focus.

More about Rail Planner jobs

What states have the most Rail Planner jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Planner jobs include:

Infographic showing various Rail Planner job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,120 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

$130K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Wilson Sporting Goods rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 62 rated fashion and textile manufacturers


Job description

Wilson & Company is seeking a Rail Project Manager to lead freight rail, track, terminal, intermodal, industrial, yard, main line, and related civil infrastructure projects. This client-focused seller-doer will guide multidisciplinary teams, manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, project controls, mentor technical staff, and strengthen long-term rail client relationships from concept development through final design and construction support.

What You'll Do:

  • Lead the planning, design, and delivery of freight rail, rail track, main line, yard, terminal, intermodal, industrial rail, and related civil/site infrastructure projects.
  • Define and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, work plans, staffing needs, deliverables, and project execution strategies.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, transit agencies, public agencies, municipalities, subconsultants, and internal project stakeholders.
  • Oversee development of technical reports, analyses, design plans, design criteria, specifications, estimates, schedules, contract documents, project guides, meeting notes, project controls, and other deliverables.
  • Provide quality oversight, perform or coordinate detailed QC reviews, and ensure project work complies with client standards, AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad/transit criteria, applicable codes, regulatory requirements, and established design criteria.
  • Coordinate field assessments, site visits, stakeholder meetings, construction reviews, and construction-phase support activities as needed.
  • Mentor and develop engineers, EITs, designers, and junior project staff while promoting collaboration, accountability, and technical excellence.
  • Support proposal development, scope and fee preparation, interviews, client presentations, and business development initiatives for future rail opportunities.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related engineering discipline, Professional Engineer license.
  • 10+ years of progressive rail, freight rail, rail track, terminal, intermodal, transit, or related civil infrastructure experience.
  • Experience serving as project manager or deputy project manager on rail or transportation infrastructure projects on Class I railroads, short line railroads, industrial rail clients, intermodal facilities, rail-served industrial sites, yards, terminals, main line projects, public agencies, or transit agencies.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating with clients, railroads, agencies, subconsultants, and internal stakeholders.
  • Strong understanding of engineering standards, permitting processes, regulatory requirements, contract documents, project controls, and client-specific design criteria, including railroad and transportation industry criteria such as AREMA, FRA, DOT, local railroad criteria, transit criteria and applicable freight rail or transportation design standards.
  • Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as needed for project assignments, client coordination, and site visits.
  • Familiarity with MicroStation, OpenRail Designer, OpenRoads Designer, AutoCAD Civil 3D, or similar CADD/modeling platforms used by rail design teams.
  • Proven ability to develop client relationships, win work, prepare proposals, negotiate scope and fees, and identify future project opportunities.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor staff, build high-performing teams, and drive continuous improvement in project delivery.

Annual salary range: $130,000-$175,000 (Depending onexperience, qualifications, licensure, role level, and location.

Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently sponsoring applicants for work visas.

About Us:

For nearly a century, Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects, has provided award-winning engineering, architecture, planning, environmental, surveying, geospatial, and construction management services. With employees across multiple offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Western regions in the United States, we bring people together to practice their craft, create value, and accomplish great things.

Guided by our purpose, we help clients move from concept to completion, transforming unused spaces into productive places, underutilized facilities into efficient ones, and rural or urban challenges into achievable solutions.

At Wilson & Company, we focus on your specific needs, delivering excellence with lasting Higher Relationships in mind. By employing our core values, discipline, intensity, collaboration, shared ownership, and solutions-we create genuine experiences and lasting connections for our clients, employees, and communities.

We support our employees' success and well-being with a comprehensive benefits package, including options for health insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, paid time off, and retirement savings plans. We are proud to be an EEO employer and maintain a drug-free workplace, conducting pre-employment background checks.

Join us and be part of a culture committed to helping you achieve personal and professional success.


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