ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Rail Switch Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Cando Rail & Terminals

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Continental Carbon Company

Shipper

Sunray, TX

$25/hr

Spotter truck operators are not required to leave Company premises. * Operate powered sweeper to maintain cleanliness of Company grounds. * Perform rail switches to move cars into and out of the ...

Twin Eagle

Terminal Operator

Big Spring, TX · On-site

The Terminal Operator is responsible for managing the safe and efficient loading and unloading of ... Oversee the operation of locomotives or other railcar movers to perform rail switch operations for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRail Switch Operator JobsRail Switch Operator Jobs in Texas

Rail Switch Operator information

See Texas salary details

$4

$18

$24

How much do rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switch operator in Texas is $18.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $24.18 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas? The most popular types of Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas? For Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Switch Operator jobs in Texas are:
What cities in Texas are hiring for Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities in Texas with the most Rail Switch Operator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs in TX? For Rail Switch Operator jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Rail Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Switch Operator job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $38,182 per year, or $18.4 per hour.
Switch Operator

Switch Operator

VLS Environmental Solutions

Hockley, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago

Job description

VLS Environmental Solutions, LLC, is a recognized leader in providing sustainability solutions, with three divisions providing industry-leading services. With a mission to innovate solutions to meet clients' sustainability goals, VLS has over 1,200 employees in 40+ locations across North America.

Waste Services

VLS Waste Services provides customized waste processing solutions for hazardous and non-hazardous industrial and commercial waste, including landfill diversion and sustainability programs, solidification of liquid waste, recycling, wastewater treatment, and waste sequestration.

Railcar Services

VLS Railcar Cleaning and Repair Services division provides specialty cleaning services for difficult-to-clean products, including chemicals, hardened materials, and pressurized gases, and comprehensive repair services for certified full-service repairs, tank car qualifications, and maintenance.

Marine Services

VLS Marine Services division offers state-of-the-art barge cleaning, repair, and gas-free facilities for various chemical solvents and downstream petroleum products.

Switch operator is responsible for the safe movement of railcars within this facility. This role is essential to minimize personal injury and property damage. A switch operators performs daily switching operations for all departments in the shop and communicating well with all Department Supervisors, the Locomotive Operator and the other Switch Operators.

Job Duties:

- Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone.

- Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists.

- Assist with maintaining documentation of rail car placement.

- Assist to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches.

- Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety.

- Operate locomotive equipment.

- Properly line switches for railcar movement.

- Operate railcar equipment such as air hoses and handbrakes.

- Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems.

- Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions.

- Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc).

- Ability to communicate clearly, listen and understand information through spoken words and sentences to ensure full comprehension of job duties, safety regulations, and other situations that may require an immediate response.

- Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

- High school diploma or equivalent preferred

- Ability to read and write in English

- 1 year experience in railcar switching is preferred

- Ability to define problems, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

- Able to use a two way radio

Apply