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Rail Track Maintainer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CN

Rail Track Maintainer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$34.83/hr

Rail Track Maintainer At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As ...

Metropolitan Council

Track Maintainer

Saint Paul, MN

$82K - $91K/yr

The agency also operates bus and rail service essential to the region's mobility, and also provides ... Metro Transit is seeking Track Maintainers to provide track maintenance and inspection activities ...

Metropolitan Council

Track Maintainer

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$82K - $91K/yr

Rail Support Facility, Minneapolis, MN Job Type: Full-Time Job Number: 2026-00037(1) Division ... Metro Transit is seeking Track Maintainers to provide track maintenance and inspection activities ...

CARLOAD EXPRESS INC

Track Maintainer

Greensburg, PA · On-site

Lift rails using the manual track jack * Sweep, pick, and dig dust and snow from movable track ... Maintain track beds * Drive and pull spikes * Install and remove rail anchors * Handle, place, and ...

American Track

Railroad Trackman

Vancouver, WA · On-site

Description Build your career with an innovative and sustainable railroad maintenance and construction team at American Track! Our company is rapidly growing, and we have plenty of opportunities ...

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Rail Track Maintainer information

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$18

$31

$54

How much do rail track maintainer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail track maintainer in the United States is $31.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Rail Track Maintainer?

A Rail Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safe train operations. Daily tasks often include visual inspections, replacing worn rails or ties, tightening bolts, clearing debris, and operating specialized maintenance equipment. Maintainers may work in small teams, often outdoors and in varying weather conditions, and must coordinate with signaling and train operations staff to avoid disruptions and ensure safety. The job can involve shift work and emergency call-outs to address urgent track issues.

What does a rail maintainer do?

A rail track maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safety and proper operation. This includes tasks such as replacing ties, fixing rails, and operating specialized tools and equipment, often working outdoors on a regular schedule. Knowledge of safety procedures and sometimes certifications in track safety are important for the role.

How much do railroad maintenance workers make?

Railroad maintenance workers, including rail track maintainers, typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often work in outdoor environments and may require certifications or training in safety procedures and equipment operation.

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

To thrive as a Rail Track Maintainer, you need a solid understanding of track infrastructure, mechanical aptitude, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with specialized track maintenance tools, heavy machinery, and safety systems such as track geometry cars and signaling equipment is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to work safely in challenging outdoor environments are crucial soft skills. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and efficiency of railway operations by maintaining track integrity and minimizing service disruptions.

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

AspectRail Track MaintainerSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires a high school diploma or equivalent; certifications in track safety and maintenanceHigh school diploma; certifications in electrical systems and signal technology
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, outdoor and sometimes remote locationsSignal boxes, control rooms, outdoor and trackside locations
Industry UsageRailway companies, transit agenciesRailway companies, transit agencies
Job FocusMaintaining and repairing tracks, switches, and tiesInstalling, inspecting, and repairing signaling systems

While both Rail Track Maintainers and Signal Maintainers work in the railway industry, their roles focus on different systems. Rail Track Maintainers ensure the safety and integrity of the tracks, whereas Signal Maintainers focus on the signaling systems that control train movements. Both roles require safety certifications and outdoor work, but their technical skills and daily tasks differ significantly.

How do you become a track maintainer?

To become a rail track maintainer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with training in track inspection, repair, and safety procedures. Many employers require familiarity with tools and equipment used in track maintenance, and some positions may require certifications such as OSHA safety training or track safety certifications. On-the-job training is common, and physical fitness is important due to the manual nature of the work and outdoor environment.

What does a rail track maintainer do?

A rail track maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks to ensure safety and proper operation. This includes tasks such as replacing ties, fixing rails, and using tools like track gauges and ballast regulators, often working outdoors on a regular schedule. The role requires physical stamina and knowledge of safety procedures and track standards.
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Rail Track Maintainer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Track Maintainer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,161 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Rail Track Maintainer

Rail Track Maintainer

Canadian National Railway

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$34.83/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Canadian National Railway rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 48 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

165th of 358 rated logistics

Job description

Qualified Rate : $34.83 Per hour
Please note that new hires in this role may be paid a lower hourly rate during their qualifying period. In addition, CN employees are also eligible to an employee share investment plan (ESIP), Pension, Benefits, Railroad Retirement Benefits (RRB) and other perks.
Rail Track Maintainer
At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together-by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.
If you are a skilled trades person or interested in skilled trades and continuous learning in a safety-focused environment, working at CN could be a great fit for you. You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of freight across North America. Enjoy paid training and evolve your skills. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us and get your career moving!
Job Summary
The Rail Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing and replacing rails, ties, switches and ballasts. The role is performed outdoors in various types of weather and environmental conditions and ensures a safe working environment.
Working Conditions

  • Shift work, with overtime when required.
  • Long periods of travel required, including overnight.
  • Primarily work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Repetitive physical activity.
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 70 pounds occasionally.
Major Responsibilities
  • Maintain CN's train rails, ties, switches and ballasts through inspection, repair, and replacement.
  • Maintain various hand tools for assigned work.
  • Remove and replace defective ties, rails spikes, and anchors.
  • Repair deviations in track surface, alignment, and gauge.
  • Install and repair street and railroad crossings and assist in the replacement or repair of items such as power-operated switches and insulated joints.
  • Unload ballasts and distribute track material.
  • Sort used track material for loading.
  • Ensure railroad right-of-way is clear of brush, vegetation, snow and litter.
  • Ensure a safe working environment, by following CN's safety policies and procedures.
Requirements
  • Relevant work experience in similar working conditions or regulatory and safety environment.
  • Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery.
  • High School Diploma, General Education Diploma (GED), or equivalent.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must meet all medical fitness for duty requirements for the position, including requirements for Safety.
  • Ability to work autonomously, adapt to different situations and handle stress.
  • Demonstrate good teamwork and maintain positive interactions with others.
  • Dedicated to getting the job done while meeting established standards of quality, safety, productivity and client satisfaction.
  • Displays common sense and good judgment.
  • Hand-eye coordination.
  • Grasping skills
Assets
  • Welding skills
  • Knowledge of signals or Railroad Operating Rules
What We Offer
  • Competitive Wages, Benefits, and Pension Plan
  • Paid Training and Career Development
  • Medical, vision, and dental insurance
  • 24/7 Telemedicine Service
  • Employee Share Investment Plan
  • Educational Financial Assistance Program
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
  • Extensive Employee Discount Program
  • Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
Paid Training
Successful candidates will take part in a paid 5-week training program at a CN Campus (Homewood, IL) with additional on-the-job training to help ensure that they have received the adequate knowledge to operate in accordance with regulatory requirements and CN's safety standards. The training is primarily on health and safety rules as successful completion of the classroom and on-the-job training is required to continue employment as a Track Maintainer at CN.
Successful Candidate Process:
  • Medical assessment (including drug, hearing, and vision).
  • Criminal background check.
  • Offer Letter
Paid Training Structure:
  • 4 weeks at CN Campus (Homewood, Ill)

About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. CN's network connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 20,000-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
Please monitor your email on a regular basis as communication to applicants is done via email.

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