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Rail Switch Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO ยท On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety ...

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety ...

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety ...

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance. This role requires strict adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, Mine Safety ...

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction ...

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Rail Switch Operator information

See salary details

$5

$19

$26

How much do rail switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switch operator in the United States is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.96 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.

More about Rail Switch Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Switch Operator jobs? Cities with the most Rail Switch Operator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Switch Operator jobs? The most popular types of Rail Switch Operator jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Switch Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Switch Operator jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Rail Switch Operator jobs? For Rail Switch Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Rail Switch Operator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, and 11% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,983 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Rail Terminal Operator

Rail Terminal Operator

Rail Management Services LLC

Liverpool, NY โ€ข On-site

$45K - $60K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

About the Job
Pacific Rail Services is looking for Rail Terminal Operators to join our team in a recession proof industry at the CSX Syracuse, NY Terminal! This is an entry level position with on the job training. No experience is required as we'll teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful on the job.
Watch the below YouTube video to find out what you'll be doing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI&feature=youtu.be
Please respond to this advertisement with your resume, or apply in person at our Terminal Location:
CSX East Syracuse Terminal
Pacific Rail Services
600 Freemont Rd
East Syracuse, NY 13057
Shift:
5pm shift (You will train on day shift)
Yearly Average Pay: $45000-$60000 with overtime included
Mandatory Overtime
Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that)
  • Affordable Healthcare, Free Dental, cheap Vision Benefits
  • Free Life Insurance
  • Paid holidays, paid personal days
  • Boot reimbursement
  • 401K
  • Yearly Raises
  • Vacation Pay (received on yearly anniversary)
  • Weekly Pay
Applicants for the Jockey Driver/Groundperson position must meet the general requirements for employment with the company, according to the Company hiring process which include:
  • Preferred, but not required applicant should have some experience working outdoors, working long hours, and driving larger vehicles.
  • Must be at least 18 years old & a valid Driver's License.
  • Must be able to pass a drug test and a Physical Capabilities Test.
  • (No GED or diploma required)

You will be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be considered an employee of the Railroad.
About the Company
One of America's largest intermodal terminal operators, with more than 60 U.S. intermodal and auto handling facilities.Rail Management Services (RMS) is one of the largest suppliers of intermodal ramp services in the United States handling over 9 million lifts per year. An FRA certified rail switching service provider, RMS serves all U.S. Class 1 railroads.With more than three decades of experience focused on facilitating the railroad motor carrier interface, RMS has been the lowest cost and most efficient providers while maintaining one of the best safety records in the industry. Today RMS subsidiaries include Pacific Rail Services, Pacific Trailer Repair Services, Rail Terminal Services, Terminal Switching Services and PRS Auto.