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Rail Welding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Welder Technician, Assoc

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

... railroad tracks. Employees are required to use personal protective equipment such as steel toe boots, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, welding and grinding shields, etc. or as ...

Welder Technician, Assoc

Red Oak, IA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

... railroad tracks. Employees are required to use personal protective equipment such as steel toe boots, hard hat, hearing protection, safety glasses, welding and grinding shields, etc. or as ...

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Trinity Rail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open positions of 1st shift Welder in our Shell Rock, IA location. We provide a complete array of railcar ...

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA

$18.25 - $24/hr

Trinity Rail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open positions of 1st shift Welder in our Shell Rock, IA location. We provide a complete array of railcar ...

Career Welder

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Trinity Rail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open positions of 1 st shift Welder in our Shell Rock, IA location. We provide a complete array of railcar ...

Career Welder, 2nd shift

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Trinity Rail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open positions of 2nd shift Welder in our Shell Rock, IA location. We provide a complete array of railcar ...

Career Welder, 2nd shift

Shell Rock, IA · On-site

$18.25 - $24/hr

Trinity Rail Maintenance Services, Inc. is searching for a talented team player to fill the open positions of 2nd shift Welder in our Shell Rock, IA location. We provide a complete array of railcar ...

Welder Helper - Des Moines, IA

Des Moines, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... of rails, frogs, switches, and other essential welding tasks. Your efforts in repairing or replacing tracks will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, enabling ...

Welder Helper - Mason City, IA

Mason City, IA

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

... of rails, frogs, switches, and other essential welding tasks. Your efforts in repairing or replacing tracks will play a vital role in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains, enabling ...

Experienced Welder

Garner, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... railroad, and utility industries. IMT products can be found practically everywhere, from Romanian ... Enjoy welding, want to learn more while on the job? Join our weld department team members! This ...

Experienced Welder

Garner, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... railroad, and utility industries. IMT products can be found practically everywhere, from Romanian ... Enjoy welding, want to learn more while on the job? Join our weld department team members! This ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Garner, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... railroad, and utility industries. IMT products can be found practically everywhere, from Romanian ... Enjoy welding, want to learn more while on the job? Join our weld department team members! This ...

Experienced Welder

Garner, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... railroad, and utility industries. IMT products can be found practically everywhere, from Romanian ... Enjoy welding, want to learn more while on the job? Join our weld department team members! This ...

Performs welding and mechanical repairs to tank and hopper cars whenrequired. * Maintains work area ... Rail industry experience * Tank car knowledge or experience Work Environment & Schedule * Work is ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rail Welding information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$27

$42

How much do rail welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail welding in Iowa is $27.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.92 and $32.07 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail welding?

Rail welding involves joining sections of railroad track together to create a continuous rail that is stronger and smoother for trains to travel on. Rail welders use specialized techniques and equipment, such as thermite welding or flash-butt welding, to fuse rails and ensure structural integrity. Their work is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient railway systems, minimizing track maintenance, and reducing noise and vibration. Rail welders also inspect and repair existing welds to ensure the ongoing safety of train operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail welder?

To thrive as a Rail Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, knowledge of track construction, and often a high school diploma or technical certification in welding. Familiarity with specialized rail welding equipment, track inspection tools, and adherence to industry safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the structural integrity of railways, safety of operations, and efficient project completion in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by rail welding professionals on the job?

Rail welding professionals often work outdoors in various weather conditions, which can impact both safety and weld quality. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and precision to ensure that welds meet rigorous industry standards. Additionally, welders must frequently collaborate with track maintenance teams and sometimes work irregular hours to accommodate railway schedules and minimize service disruptions. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Rail Welding vs Track Maintenance Worker?

AspectRail WeldingTrack Maintenance Worker
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Track inspection and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, construction sites, on-site weldingRail lines, maintenance yards, outdoor environments
Job FocusJoining and repairing rails through weldingInspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks
Industry UsageRailroad construction and repairRailroad upkeep and safety

Rail Welding specialists focus on joining and repairing rails using welding techniques, requiring welding certifications and working directly on rail lines or construction sites. Track Maintenance Workers perform inspections and repairs to ensure track safety, often working alongside rail welders but with a broader focus on overall track condition. Both roles are essential in maintaining safe and efficient rail operations but differ in specific skills and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Welding jobs in Iowa?

For Rail Welding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Welding jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Welding jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Rail Welding jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Rail Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Welding job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $58,198 per year, or $28 per hour.

Assembler Mechanic Welder Technician

Marshalltown, IA • On-site


Progress Rail Services Corporation
Consumer Goods and Commercial Equipment Rental Services • 5 - 10K employees

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

387th of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers

Uninterrupted breaks


$24/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Purpose
An Assembly Mechanic Welder Technician conducts repair work and/or operates specialized engine testing equipment, operates various hand-welding and flame-cutting equipment to weld, fabricate or join work pieces together. This mechanic welder technician performs multiple assembly and pre-paint wash/prep, masking, sanding, painting, and train other operators. All levels of this position may be required to perform other functions or assist in other departments as needed.
This position will have a starting wage at $24.
Flexible upon experience.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Education / Training
• GED, HS diploma required;
• Heavy manufacturing and or technical certification, vocational/technical training, required;
• 2-3 years of basic mechanical knowledge required to diagnose and repair locomotive components
• 2-3 years of experience as a welder, certification in GMAW and FCAW required;
• Certification to a recognized welding standard such as AWS D1.1
Key Job Elements
• Position will work M-Th, 10 hour day shifts. Mandatory overtime as needed;
• Read schematics, blueprints, standard work, perform basic math;
• Assembling and/or test parts and components for locomotive engine;
• Demonstrate knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and welding;
• Retrieve materials assembled and weld into a finished product;
• Maintain area cleanliness and organization;
• Follow verbal or written work instructions, standards and or QWI's consistently, accurately, and safely;
• Operate angle grinders to prepare the parts that must be welded;
• Fasten sub-assembly parts together with bolts, screws, and additional fasteners hardware;
• Route and apply electrical wiring harnesses
• Operate engine test cell equipment;
• Perform balance tests and other quality tests as required;
• Diagnose malfunctions and perform adjustments or repairs to components to meet quality standards;
• Maintain and conduct preventive maintenance on components;
• Diagnose and troubleshoot assembly problems, part quality issues and test results associated with new parts and engineering changes;
• Move units in and out of paint booths;
• Power wash units for paint, check for leaks;
• Perform surface preparation and masking;
• Ability to train new employees;
• Maintaining welding proficiency as required by Progress Rail QSP 4.9 as well as any applicable local and international standards;
• Mastery of various welds such as pipe weld, GMAW, SMAW, etc. in all positions;
• Perform single and multi-pass welds in all positions;
• Ability to perform preventative and basic maintenance of weld machines and equipment; change out wire and gas bottles as needed;
• Weld components using manual or semi-automatic welding equipment in various positions (vertical, horizontal or overhead);
• Cross train in all assembly areas;
• Safely operate equipment (after proper training) that may include forklift and overhead cranes, and any other tools or equipment.
Qualifications and Experience
• Forklift and/or crane experience preferred;
• 2-5 mechanical years' experience required;
• Problem solving skills to properly assess and compensate for variations due to incoming part quality, process variations, process changes,
engineering changes and part shortages;
• Must be familiar with manufacturing environment, with use of industrial equipment and mechanics, heavy structural assembly, and ability to use various hand and power tools and measuring devices;
• Must demonstrate ability to read and comprehend complex instructions, technical correspondence, and memos;
• Industrial painting systems including bulk, pressured, syphon, HVLP, and conventional spray with array of industrial coatings (polyurethane, CARC);
• Pass internal welding certification in conjunction with requirements under ISO, AAR, and other regulatory agencies;
• Demonstrate ability to communicate verbally or as written;
• Demonstrate ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to customers and employees of the organization.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

Progress Rail logo

About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983


What Progress Rail employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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