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Rail Switch Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Marmon

Transloader-West Colton, CA

Bloomington, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction ... company operating procedures and safety requirements Perform additional operational duties as ...

Patriot Rail

Trainmaster SAVR

Mcclellan, CA

... operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information. * Ability to ... yard personnel, switching crew, engineers, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise ...

Patriot Rail

Trainmaster SAVR

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

... operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information. * Ability to ... yard personnel, switching crew, engineers, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise ...

Patriot Rail Company

Trainmaster SAVR

Mcclellan, CA · On-site

... operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information. * Ability to ... yard personnel, switching crew, engineers, railroad officials and others in a clear, concise ...

Hyve Solutions

Assembly Operator

Fremont, CA

$18.50 - $21/hr

Assembly Operator I Transform technology products into business growth areas for our customers ... Assemble handles and affix switches and applying labels * Installation of rails to elevation on ...

hyve solutions

Assembly Operator

Fremont, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $21/hr

Assembly Operator I Transform technology products into business growth areas for our customers ... Assemble handles and affix switches and applying labels * Installation of rails to elevation on ...

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All JobsRail Switch Operator JobsRail Switch Operator Jobs in California

Rail Switch Operator information

See California salary details

$5

$19

$26

How much do rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switch operator in California is $19.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rail Switch Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Switch Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway systems, attention to detail, and good physical coordination, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with track-switching mechanisms, signaling systems, and sometimes safety certifications from rail authorities are typically required. Strong communication, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure set exceptional candidates apart. These abilities are crucial to ensuring safe and efficient train routing and preventing accidents in a dynamic rail environment.

What are the typical work shifts and environments like for Rail Switch Operators?

Rail Switch Operators often work in outdoor rail yards or along rail lines and are required to manage switches and signals in varying weather conditions. Shifts can include nights, weekends, and holidays, as trains operate around the clock, so flexibility is important. Operators may work independently or as part of a small team, coordinating closely with locomotive engineers and dispatchers. While the role can be physically demanding and requires vigilance, it offers opportunities to learn more about railway operations and pursue advancement into supervisory or technical positions with experience.

What is a Rail Switch Operator job?

A Rail Switch Operator is responsible for controlling track switches to direct trains onto the correct tracks. They communicate with train crews and dispatchers to ensure safe and efficient rail traffic movement. Their duties may also include coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting track conditions, and operating signals. This role requires attention to detail, safety awareness, and the ability to work in various weather conditions. It is an essential position in the railway industry to prevent collisions and keep trains running on schedule.

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What cities in California are hiring for Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities in California with the most Rail Switch Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs in CA? For Rail Switch Operator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Rail Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Switch Operator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 54% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,447 per year, or $19.4 per hour.

Railroad Roadmaster

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

Ventura, CA • On-site

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

This position will be responsible for overseeing and managing the inspection and maintenance of rail corridors and associated facilities to include working on track, right-of-way, rail stations, platforms, and facilities for our railroad on the Santa Paula Branch Line in Ventura County, CA. This position will be overseeing a section crew of 4-5 employees, making sure that any required repairs and work along the railroad right of way are taken care of in a timely manner. This position will also be expected to conduct track inspections as needed at the required frequencies based on the classification of track. This is a salaried supervisor position that will be expected to work 40 -5o hours a week with occasional out of town travel as needed.
Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of our railroad, working effectively in a diverse work environment using prudent judgment at all times, performing duties in a safe manner.
  • Knows and understands the requirements set forth in CFR Title 49, Part 213 and their application to ensuring that the right of way stays within Federal standards.
  • Supervise a section crew of Maintenance of Way Laborers/Operators.
  • Know, understand, and set up safety precautions for the protection of roadway workers and contractors while working on or adjacent to right of way.
  • Know and understand track warrants, their use and be able to obtain them from the Dispatcher for the protection of roadway workers
  • Loads and unloads heavy materials, obtains necessary material and equipment, and removes debris and maintains a clean, safe work site.
  • Assist in removing and installing railroad ties, rails, turnouts, track fastenings, and track switches, ensuring the safe and proper operation of all vehicles, material, and equipment.
  • Lubricates track and track switches, remove and tightens bolts, assists in track surfacing, alignment, gauging, jacking, and tamping and performs other related maintenance of way duties as directed.
  • Assists other employees as assigned in the maintenance, handling, and repair of rail shop equipment, stations, platforms in a safe and proper manner.
  • Assists in re-railing operations and operates various rail equipment and other service vehicles; uses air, electric, and hydraulic power tools and equipment utilized in the performance of maintenance of way duties.
  • Performs various physical duties in a maintenance environment, which includes, but is not limited to, working with dust, dirt, gravel, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, chemicals, in confined spaces, and in various, sometimes extreme, outdoor weather conditions and temperatures as required.
  • Other duties as required.

Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of track experience with a track inspectors' certification.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean Motor Vehicle record.
  • Computer skills, primarily Microsoft Office and Power point.
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position/ job.
  • Prior knowledge, training, and certification in railroad operating rules preferred but not required.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Class A Commercial Driver License preferred but not required.

Working Conditions
This job requires work outdoors in all weather conditions with occasional office work in doors. Proper use of PPE equipment is required depending on job activities. This job may also require weekend work with occasional travel out of town.
Physical Requirements
  • Capable of conducting 40+ hours of work a week.
  • Physically capable to traverse in and around the office complex and anywhere else on railroad property.
  • Be able to climb up and down railroad equipment.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb and work at heights up to 20 feet, access confined areas, push/pull up to 125 pounds, lift/carry up to 80 pounds, and horizontally move equipment weighing up to 90 pounds.
  • The position will be subject to DOT/FRA pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.

$66,000 - $85,000 a year
Medical, Dental, Hearing & Vision are 100% covered by the company for the employee plus a significant other.
This position comes with railroad retirement.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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