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Rail Switchman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Switchman - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

Sauget, IL · On-site

$22/hr

M-F, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM potential for overtime Job Summary The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Catawba, SC · On-site

$24/hr

Paid on the Job Training- Outdoor Work Experience Ideal - Rail Yard Experience a plus! Must be ... As a Conductor/Switchman, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure ...

Quantix SCS LLC

Rail Operator

Rincon, GA · On-site

$21/hr

Rail Car Mover including switchmen or Locomotive / Track Mobile Engineer preferred. * Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting. * Good understanding of Rail Track ...

Watco

Switchman - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

Sauget, IL

$22/hr

M-F, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM potential for overtime Job Summary The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$26/hr

Paid on the Job Training- Outdoor Work Experience Ideal - Rail Yard Experience a plus! Must be ... As a Switchman/Engineer or Utility Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX · On-site

Summary: responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars into a yard. Throws switches and couples, or attaches to cable, to railcars being hauled by locomotive in industrial plants or ...

Watco

Switchman - Gillette, WY

Gillette, WY · On-site

$20/hr

... The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

LED FastStart

Chemical Plant Loader

Plaquemine, LA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Chemical Plant Loader / Rail Switchman Looking to join a company that values safety, training, and teamwork? PSC Group is hiring a full-time Rail Loader - Switching Technician. This is your ...

ConGlobal

Railroad Switcher/Brakeman

Edgerton, KS · On-site

$29.12/hr

As a Railroad Switchman at ConGlobal, you will play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of railcars within our terminal. You'll be responsible for monitoring and aligning track switch ...

Watco

Switchman - Sheridan, WY

Sheridan, WY · On-site

$21/hr

... The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

ConGlobal

Railroad Switcher/Brakeman

Edgerton, KS · On-site

$29.12/hr

As a Railroad Switchman at ConGlobal, you will play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of railcars within our terminal. You'll be responsible for monitoring and aligning track switch ...

Marmon

Switching

Altoona, PA · On-site

$27.84 - $28.84/hr

Union Tank Car Company is seeking applicants to become a Switchman at our full-service rail tank car repair shop in Altoona, Pennsylvania to assist in various departments as needed by plant ...

ConGlobal

Railroad Switcher/Brakeman

Edgerton, KS · On-site

$29.12/hr

As a Railroad Switchman at ConGlobal, you will play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of railcars within our terminal. You'll be responsible for monitoring and aligning track switch ...

ConGlobal

Railroad Switcher/Brakeman

Edgerton, KS

$29.12/hr

As a Railroad Switchman at ConGlobal, you will play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of railcars within our terminal. You'll be responsible for monitoring and aligning track switch ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX

$18 - $25/hr

Description Summary: responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars into a yard. Throws switches and couples, or attaches to cable, to railcars being hauled by locomotive in industrial ...

Packwell Inc

SWITCHMAN

La Porte, TX · On-site

$18 - $25/hr

Description: Summary: responsible for assembling trains and switching railroad cars into a yard. Throws switches and couples, or attaches to cable, to railcars being hauled by locomotive in ...

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Rail Switchman information

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How much do rail switchman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail switchman 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 does a rail switchman do?

Rail Switchmen typically work outdoors in rail yards or along tracks, often in all weather conditions and at various times, including nights, weekends, and holidays. Shifts generally involve tasks like aligning track switches, coupling and uncoupling railcars, communicating with engineers and conductors, and ensuring trains are routed correctly. The role can be physically demanding, requiring alertness and quick decision-making in dynamic settings. Teamwork is essential, as Switchmen frequently coordinate with other yard personnel to maintain smooth and safe operations. This hands-on environment provides valuable experience for those interested in advancing to higher-level positions in railroad operations.

What is a rail switchman?

A Rail Switchman is responsible for safely operating track switches, coupling and uncoupling railcars, and ensuring trains are correctly assembled for transport. They work in rail yards or industrial sites to direct train movements, assist with loading and unloading, and communicate with train crews and dispatchers. This position requires physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and an understanding of rail operations.

How to become a rail switchman?

To become a rail switchman, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must pass a background check and drug screening. On-the-job training is provided, and knowledge of railway safety procedures and equipment is essential. Some positions may require certification or experience operating railway tools and signals.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rail switchman?

A Rail Switchman must possess strong spatial awareness, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railroad signaling systems, radio communication equipment, and adherence to safety protocols—often validated by on-the-job training and certifications such as FRA qualification—is crucial. Attention to detail, effective teamwork, and excellent situational awareness are key soft skills. These qualities help ensure safe, efficient operations and minimize risks in a demanding and dynamic rail yard environment.

More about Rail Switchman jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Switchman jobs? Cities with the most Rail Switchman job openings:
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Rail Switchman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Switchman job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,288 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Switchman - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

Watco

Sauget, IL • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 359 rated logistics

Job description

Switchman - Sauget / Cahokia, IL
Job Location: Sauget, IL Facility-Sauget-62201
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference
Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:
• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities
Starting Pay: $22.00 per hour
Schedule: M-F, 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM potential for overtime
Job Summary
The Switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period. This job description is intended to be general and illustrative of the typical duties required of the position. It is not all-inclusive and does not detail every task that may be assigned to the incumbent.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English and understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and coaching and apply procedures using good judgment
• Read switching orders from designated person
• Receive oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer on which cars are to be switched
• Notify engineer of switching orders and which cars are to be moved to specified locations in the yard using radio, verbal, or hand signals
• Communicate with crew or other yard workers via radio to exchange switching information
• Confer with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions regarding stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Follow instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet-type brake to apply and release handbrakes
• Observe track to detect obstructions
• Maintain records of car numbers, origin, destination, and cargo switched
• Coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signal Engineer to move cars using lantern, arm signals, or radio
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• Set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns, at the front and rear of the train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sit or ride in the cab of the locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• Make minor repairs to couplings and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Communicate with Dispatcher via radio to exchange switching information
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
Education
High School or GED equivalent

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