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

Cranemasters

Driver/Operator - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

... 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 ...

Cranemasters

Driver/Operator - CDL A

Merrillville, IN

... 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 ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN · On-site

... 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 ...

Cranemasters

Laborer - CDL A

Merrillville, IN

... 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 ...

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All JobsRail Track Inspector JobsRail Track Inspector Jobs in Chicago, IL

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 Aug 15, 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 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 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:

Rail Track Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Track Inspector job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $56,595 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Highway Engineer / Railroad Specialist

GFT.

Schaumburg, IL

$85K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

GFT is seeking a Civil Highway Engineer/Railroad Specialist to join our Practice or CBG Team in Schaumburg, IL! This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at the  Schaumburg, IL office.


GFT's Transportation team offers the opportunity to engage in transformative projects that enhance transportation infrastructure and improve community connectivity. Whether working on highways and bridges or traffic engineering, our team excels in resilient, sustainable design and construction, delivering innovative solutions that address the complexities of modern, multimodal roadway systems and ensure safe, efficient, and reliable travel for all. Explore some of our signature Transportation projects here.  

What you’ll be challenged to do:

GFT’s Schaumburg, IL office seeks a Civil/Transportation Engineer/Railroad Specialist to be a member of our highway division and will be part of a Program Management role. The position is a full-time role (40 hours a week) working in the IDOT District One office in the Bureau of Design, Project Support Section, Railroad Unit. The successful candidate will perform various tasks including project coordination with the IDOT Project Manager, design consultants and railroad staff.  This position will assist with the IDOT at-grade crossing program and implementing public improvements on the State highway system. 

A candidate with a background working with IDOT in preliminary engineering, development of plans or construction is preferred. This individual may be asked to prepare sketches and plan diagrams for at-grade crossings, so a base level knowledge of CADD would be beneficial in the execution of duties.  The individual will be called upon to collaborate closely with other teams on multi-disciplinary projects.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following: 

  • Analyzes information and data to perform routine design tasks.
  • Makes decisions independently on engineering problems and methods.
  • Responsible for accuracy of engineering design and plans, quality presentation, thoroughness and follow-through, and efficient conformance to budgets, schedules, and company standards.
  • Reviews design options and document findings from the design team.
  • Manages workload and any changes in project schedule or scope or additional services.

What you will bring to our firm: 

  • Minimum 5 years of related, in-field experience, including work directly or as a consultant for the Illinois Tollway, Illinois DOT, Chicago DOT, Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways, or local counties and municipalities, and with Federally funded projects.
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or similar field from an ABET accredited university. 
  • E.I.T. Certification.
  • CADD Experience is preferred
  • Previous experience on projects with railroad coordination and inspection of roadway/railroad work in the field is preferred.
  • Previous highway, drainage, construction inspection, track, traffic signal, and/or lighting experience is preferred.
  • Individuals will be expected to possess an Illinois Driver’s License
The salary range for this role is $85,000 - $125,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
 
Featured Benefits: 
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Schaumburg, IL
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

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