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Rail Track Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Track Worker

Chicago, IL · On-site

$25.97 - $39.95/hr

SALARY $25.97 - $39.95 POSITION SUMMARY Performs various duties in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and construction of railroad track, also including signaling and flagging activities associated ...

Prepare railroad track inspection reports. * Observe safety and security procedures; report potentially unsafe conditions and use equipment and materials properly. * Complete project responsibilities ...

Senior Track Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$167K - $200K/yr

Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems * Yard and siding layouts * At-grade crossings * Prepare ... Site inspections * Field engineering support * Ensure compliance with: * FRA regulations * AREMA ...

Senior Track Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$107K - $147K/yr

Rail, ties, ballast, and subgrade systems * Yard and siding layouts * At-grade crossings * Prepare ... Site inspections * Field engineering support * Ensure compliance with: * FRA regulations * AREMA ...

... railroad cars, load adjust/transfer activities and track maintenance/repair/new builds. Ensures ... Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspection of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with ...

... railroad cars, load adjust/transfer activities and track maintenance/repair/new builds. Ensures ... Performs pre-trip and post-trip inspection of trucks, trailers, and equipment in accordance with ...

Bridge Engineer, Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104K - $119K/yr

Proven track record designing new bridges according to AASHTO and AREMA standards. * High ... Ensure all designs comply with AASHTO LRFD and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering. * Inspection ...

Bridge Engineer, Inspector

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104K - $119K/yr

Proven track record designing new bridges according to AASHTO and AREMA standards. * High ... Ensure all designs comply with AASHTO LRFD and AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering. * Inspection ...

Railcar Inspection & Repair (70%) * Perform inspections of railcars to identify safety hazards or ... out rail-track switches, ensuring proper track protection, setting and verifying railcar hand ...

Railcar Inspection & Repair (70%) * Perform inspections of railcars to identify safety hazards or ... out rail-track switches, ensuring proper track protection, setting and verifying railcar hand ...

Mechanical Repair

Harvey, IL · On-site

$24.64/hr

Railcar Inspection & Repair (70%) * Perform inspections of railcars to identify safety hazards or ... out rail-track switches, ensuring proper track protection, setting and verifying railcar hand ...

Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that ... Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus * Railroad bridge ...

Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that ... Construction inspection or construction management experience is a plus * Railroad bridge ...

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Rail Track Inspector information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$25.2K

$56.6K

$102K

How much do rail track inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail track inspector in Chicago, IL is $56,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $65,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Rail Track Inspectors?

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 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 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 are popular job titles related to Rail Track Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL? For Rail Track Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Rail Track Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Track Inspector jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Rail Track Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.
Track Worker

$25.97 - $39.95/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

532nd of 705 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

SALARY

$25.97 - $39.95

POSITION SUMMARY

Performs various duties in the inspection, maintenance, repair, and construction of railroad track, also including signaling and flagging activities associated with track construction and maintenance work.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

             Performs various duties in the installation, maintenance and removal of track ties, rails, fasteners, ballast, turnouts and other track components.

             Inspects track, including ties, rail, fasteners and switches for safety defects.

             Loads and unloads work train material.

             Removes snow and ice from track, switches, walkways and other locations as required.

             Removes debris from track, switches, subway and rail yards.

             Assists in maneuvering equipment, vehicular traffic and other tools required for track repair and track construction.

             Operates rail borne track maintenance equipment as required.

             Performs flagging duties as required.

             Performs other duties associated with track maintenance and construction as required.

             Performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to this position are the following jobs:

Job Title

CHALLENGES

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

             Required to submit to and pass drug and alcohol testing as mandated by the Federal Transportation Administration for safety sensitive positions.

             Must have a high school diploma or equivalent degree.

             Must have a valid driver's license.

             Must pass the CTA math class. 

             Must pass the CTA Third Rail Safety Training

             Must pass the CTA flagging qualification class in order to properly set up work site slow zones and to flag trains through a work site.

             Must pass the 30/90/120 Day Trackman reviews during probationary period

             Must pass the CTA training class for Track Inspector.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

             Required to perform extensive lifting, carrying, and maneuvering of materials and track tools weighing up to 100 pounds.

             Must be able to perform extensive digging and spiking of track ties.

             Must be able to walk on elevated open deck track and foot walk at heights up to 60 feet above the ground. 

             Must be able to accurately swing a spike maul and sledgehammer.

             Bending, stooping, reaching, crawling, crouching, climbing, pushing, pulling and coordination to perform track repairs.

             Climbs up and down ladders and stairs.

             Walks up to six miles per day inspecting track on various track structures, including elevated open deck and uneven ground.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

             Must be knowledgeable of safety rules in order to perform work without injury.

             Must be proficient in the use of devices required for measuring track.

             Required to have knowledge of track construction and maintenance.

             Must have high school level math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, especially of fractions.

             Must be proficient in the use of all types of hand- and power-operated tools used by track crews.

             Must have the ability to communicate with other employees to assure safety while performing work.

             Must be able to work as part of team and follow directions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

             Works outdoors subject to prevailing weather, including extreme heat/cold, wind, rain and snow.

             Works various days, hours and locations.  Subject to 24-hour emergency call out.

             Works in conditions subjected to noise, vibration, dust, exhaust fumes and various odors.

             Works on open deck elevated structures (up to 60 feet high), ground level track structures and in cool, damp subways.

             Works immediately adjacent to electrically energized rail (600-volt) and associated power distribution apparatuses.

             Works on in-service track immediately adjacent to moving trains and vehicular traffic at street level.

             Works with power-operated, moving equipment.

             Exposed to chemical hazards from creosote on ties.

EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED

             Large hand tools including sledge hammers, spike mauls, pinch bars, claw bars, shovels, track wrenches, track jacks, tie tongs and rail tongs.

             Small hand tools including screw drivers, wrenches and hammers.

             Measuring devices including rulers, tape measures, gages, thermometers, string lines and compasses.

             Impact tools included drills, socket drivers, and tamping guns.

             Power-operated tools including rail saws, rail drills, chainsaws, impact guns, generators, hydraulic power packs, air compressors and man lifts.

             Cutting and burning devices including oxygen and acetylene torch and propane torch.

             Small electronic devices including handheld digital assistants and tablet PCs.

             Creosoted wood tie, plastic tie, concrete tie, steel rail, steel joint bars, steel tie plates, steel track spikes, steel screw spikes, steel track bolts and grease.


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