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Rail Track Inspector Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Additional qualifications desired include experience in conducting fleet inspections, knowledge of ... Experience in rail operations, train planning, rail equipment maintenance facility design and track ...

Additional qualifications desired include experience in conducting fleet inspections, knowledge of ... Experience in rail operations, train planning, rail equipment maintenance facility design and track ...

Additional qualifications desired include experience in conducting fleet inspections, knowledge of ... Experience in rail operations, train planning, rail equipment maintenance facility design and track ...

Office Engineer - Rail

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$84K - $110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... track, grading, drainage, site civil elements, and structural interfaces * Prepare and review ... Coordinate with project managers, designers, construction managers, and inspectors throughout ...

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Rail Track Inspector information

See Washington salary details

$27.7K

$62.2K

$112.1K

How much do rail track inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail track inspector in Washington is $62,224.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $71,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail track inspector?

Rail Track Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and maintaining railroad tracks to ensure they are safe and in good working condition. Their duties include inspecting tracks, switches, and related structures for defects or wear, documenting findings, and recommending or performing necessary repairs. They play a vital role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth, safe operation of trains. Rail Track Inspectors often work outdoors and may need to respond to emergencies or perform inspections at night or in adverse weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail track inspector, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Track Inspector, you need a solid understanding of railroad safety, track structure, and maintenance standards, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized inspection tools, measurement devices, and reporting systems such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) compliance software is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify issues, document findings, and coordinate repairs. These skills and qualities are vital to ensuring rail safety, preventing accidents, and maintaining efficient rail operations.

What are the typical challenges rail track inspectors face in the field, and how are they addressed?

Rail Track Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in adverse weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain, and responding to urgent track issues that can disrupt rail service. These professionals must maintain high attention to detail while adhering to strict safety protocols to ensure the integrity of the rail infrastructure. Most employers support inspectors with specialized training, safety equipment, and technologies like track geometry cars or ultrasonic testing devices, which help identify issues efficiently. Collaboration with maintenance crews and clear communication with operations teams are also crucial in addressing and resolving track defects promptly.

What is the difference between Rail Track Inspector vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail Track InspectorSignal Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certifications, technical trainingHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, outdoor settingsSignal systems, control rooms, outdoor and indoor locations
Industry UsageRailroad companies, transit agenciesRailroad companies, transit agencies
Job FocusInspecting and maintaining track integrityMaintaining and repairing signal systems

Rail Track Inspectors and Signal Maintainers both work within the railroad industry, often for the same employers. While Rail Track Inspectors focus on inspecting and ensuring the safety of tracks, Signal Maintainers specialize in maintaining and repairing signaling systems. Both roles require technical certifications and safety training, but their daily tasks and work environments differ slightly, with Inspectors primarily on the tracks and Maintainers working on signaling equipment.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Track Inspector jobs in Washington?

For Rail Track Inspector jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Track Inspector jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Track Inspector jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Rail Track Inspector jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Rail Track Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Track Inspector job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,224 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

$23 - $25/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Construction Inspector
Location: Woodbridge, VA
Job Type: Full-time
FLSA Status: Hourly; Non-Exempt
Reports To: District Manager
Travel: Yes, travel is expected for this position (50% - 85% on average).
Supervisory Responsibility: No
Compensation: $23 to $25 based on experience

Company Profile:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is a certified DBE/WBE firm primarily focused on providing safety services to the railroad industry. NRSS is the most trusted name in the railroad industry for providing qualified field safety staff and safety training. To best serve the railroad industry, NRSS provides all these services in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. NRSS has the proven ability and the proven safety record to handle any project. Find the safety you have been missing today! Job Description:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is seeking a Construction Inspector to support railroad safety services for Class 1 Railroads, Regional Short Lines, Transit Systems, State DOT's, as well as Railroad Suppliers, Contractors, and Consultants alike.

Required Education:

High school diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience:

Minimum 2 years of experience in one or more of the following, civil construction inspection involving grade separation projects, roadway paving/construction, utility work and/or experience with a Freight Railroad, Regional Short Line Railroad, Transit System, State DOT Highway or Rail Division, Railroad Supplier, Highway/Railroad Contractor, Commercial Construction, and/or Civil Engineering/Railroad Consultant.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficient computer skills in Android OS; on tablet & smart phone.
  • Proficient computer skills in Citrix Applications.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail; well organized.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
  • Ability to travel for extended periods of time; sometimes week(s) at a time.
  • Ability to successfully complete Federal, Client, and/or Company Specific Training.

Job Duties:

  • Provide worksite monitoring of constructions crews to verify safety compliance
  • Maintain detailed records of jobsite activities and compliance issues
  • Examining and maintaining company materials ensuring they meet quality standards
  • Documenting any deviations from plans, safety concerns, requesting corrective actions, and ensuring issues are resolved
  • Submit daily field reports detailing Contractor and/or Railroad activities.
  • Provide clear, concise, and thorough safety briefings with all personnel on each site.
  • Intervene as needed when safety, compliance, or policies are violated

Work Environment:

This job operates in a field environment.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Must be able to hear, speak, read, and write clearly in English.
  • Must be able to drive long distances and/or travel by other modes as necessary.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time and/or walk on level/uneven ground.
  • Must be able to see up close, distances, colors and make use of peripheral vision and depth perception.
  • Must be able to tolerate extreme heat/cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to tolerate dusty/noisy conditions.

Keywords:

Construction Inspector, Construction Foreman, Construction Manager, Commercial Construction, Civil Engineering Technician, Safety Manager, Safety Inspector, Assistant Division Engineer (ADE), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Assistant Roadmaster, Bridge Inspector, Bridge Manager, Bridge Maintainer, Bridge Supervisor, Division Engineer (DE), Employee In Charge (EIC), Flagger, Flagging, Flagman, Flagmen, Flag Person, Foreman, Foremen, General Manager (GM), Maintenance Of Way (MOW), Manager Track Maintenance (MTM), Manager Track Projects (MTP), Rail, Railroad, Railroad Project Manager, Railway, Railway Project Manager, Roadmaster, Roadway Worker, Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC), Roadway Worker Protection (RWP), Safety, Signal Inspector, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, Signal Supervisor, Track Inspector, Track Maintainer, Track Manager, Track Supervisor.

Safety Commitment:

All employees of all levels are to always remain committed to safety while employed at National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS). As such, no job is so important, and no service is so urgent that we may not take the time to perform all work safely. Simply put, safety is our way of life. By placing safety first, we not only ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities, but we hold true to our commitment to being the leader in safety throughout the railroad industry.

Closing Statement:

National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, citizenship, marital status, sex/gender, sexual preference/orientation, gender identify, age, veteran status, national origin, or any other status protected by law or regulation.