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Rail Train Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Department of Transportation

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health ... Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment. * General safety ...

360 Rail Services

Railroad Track Laborer

Baytown, TX

$16 - $18/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

360 Rail Services, LLC is a locally owned and operated railroad design, construction, and ... Experience in the rail industry is preferred, but we are willing to train the right individuals.

Union Pacific

Train Crew

Fort Worth, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers ... operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars ...

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Rail Train Operator information

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$4

$21

$32

How much do rail train operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail train operator in Texas is $21.01, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.89 and $27.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail train operator?

A Rail Train Operator is responsible for operating trains safely and efficiently, following schedules and rail regulations. They control train speed, monitor track conditions, and communicate with dispatchers and station personnel. Operators must be attentive to signals, ensure passenger or cargo safety, and respond to emergencies if needed. The role requires specialized training and knowledge of railroad procedures, as well as strong focus and attention to detail.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rail train operator?

To thrive as a Rail Train Operator, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, safety procedures, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with train control systems, communication devices, and sometimes specific licensure or certification (such as a conductor's license) is important. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are standout soft skills in this field. These capabilities ensure the safe, efficient, and timely movement of trains while maintaining high safety standards and reliable service.

What is the typical work environment for a rail train operator?

Rail Train Operators usually work in a fast-paced environment that involves operating trains on set schedules, often during nights, weekends, or holidays. The role requires spending extended periods in locomotive cabs, maintaining constant communication with dispatchers, signal operators, and other railway personnel to ensure safe and efficient train movement. Operators may face varying weather conditions and must remain vigilant throughout their shifts. Working as part of a larger team, Rail Train Operators play a critical role in upholding safety procedures and synchronizing efforts with maintenance and support staff. This collaborative, safety-focused environment provides ample opportunities for skill development and career growth within the rail industry.

How do I get into a rail train operator?

To become a rail train operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and completion of specialized training provided by the employer or a certified training program. Certification or licensing from relevant transportation authorities is often required, along with a clean driving record and good communication skills. Prior experience with operating heavy machinery or vehicles can be beneficial.

How much do rail train operators make?

Rail train operators typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require certification and operate trains in various environments, working shifts that may include nights and weekends.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas?

The most popular types of Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas are:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas?

For Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Train Operator jobs in Texas are:

Rail Train Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Train Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,705 per year, or $21 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Department of Transportation

Houston, TX

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

545th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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