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Rail Switching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Louisville, KY to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, ...

Rail Switching Technician

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $20.50/hr

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Richmond to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands ...

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Magna to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on ...

Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail ...

Railserve is hiring dependable, safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Cincinnati, OH to support daily rail operations at an industrial facility. This is a full-time, outdoor, hands-on role ...

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Marion to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on ...

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Rail Switching information

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How much do rail switching jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switching in the United States is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Rail Switching operators, and how can they be addressed?

Rail Switching operators often face challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams, managing time-sensitive schedules, and working in varying weather conditions. Effective communication with yardmasters, train crews, and dispatchers is crucial to ensure safe and efficient railcar movement. Additionally, attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols help prevent accidents. To address these challenges, many operators participate in ongoing safety training, use technology to track railcar locations, and develop strong teamwork skills within the yard.

What are rail switching jobs?

Rail switching jobs involve moving railcars within a rail yard or industrial site to assemble trains, load and unload cargo, and ensure cars are correctly positioned for their next destination. Workers in these roles, often called switch operators or yardmasters, are responsible for operating track switches, coupling and uncoupling cars, and communicating with locomotive engineers. These jobs require attention to safety protocols, teamwork, and knowledge of rail yard operations. Rail switching roles are essential to the efficient movement of freight and the overall success of rail transport logistics.

What is the difference between Rail Switching vs Rail Car Loader?

AspectRail SwitchingRail Car Loader
Primary RoleDirects and manages the movement of trains and railcars within yards or terminalsLoads and unloads cargo from railcars at loading facilities
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching facilities, often outdoorsLoading docks, industrial sites, rail yards
CertificationsRailroad safety and switching certificationsForklift, safety, and cargo handling certifications
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight yardsLogistics, shipping, and freight companies

Rail Switching involves managing train movements within rail yards, focusing on directing railcars and trains. Rail Car Loaders primarily handle cargo loading and unloading from railcars. While both roles operate in rail environments, Rail Switching emphasizes train movement coordination, whereas Rail Car Loaders focus on cargo handling.

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

To thrive as a Rail Switch Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rail yard communication systems, hand signals, and sometimes certification in railroad operations or safety is important. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help operators coordinate safely and efficiently. These skills are vital to ensure the safe, timely, and organized movement of rail cars within busy rail yards.
More about Rail Switching jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Switching jobs? Cities with the most Rail Switching job openings:
What states have the most Rail Switching jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Switching jobs include:
Infographic showing various Rail Switching job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,288 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Rail Switching Technician

Rail Switching Technician

Marmon

Louisville, KY

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Railserve

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Louisville, KY to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars that support customer operations and production schedules.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides training, promotes from within, and offers opportunities for long-term career growth in rail operations.

Who We Are

Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve.com.

Job Description

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into Crew Leader, Site Leadership, and other skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule

Monday through Friday
Day shift (8-hour shifts)
Occasional Saturday overtime based on operational needs

Compensation

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour based on experience

Duties

Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
Inspect locomotives prior to operation
Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
Assist in training new employees as needed
Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements
Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements

High school diploma or GED required
Reliable transportation required
Strong attendance and dependability required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively
Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
Ability to participate in Railserve's pre-employment screening process
Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)

Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information

Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
Moderate to heavy physical labor required
Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
Required use of personal protective equipment
Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures

Grow With Us

Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

#LI-DNI

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.


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