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Rail Welding Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Rail Track Maintainer

Schoolcraft, MI · On-site

$35.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

New

Rail Track Maintainer

Schoolcraft, MI · On-site

$35.80/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

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 ...

Railcar Repair Technician

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$25.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Outdoor rail operation Put Your Welding Experience to Work Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Railcar Repair Technician for our Superior Township operation. This skilled-trade position ...

Railcar Repair Technician

Ypsilanti, MI · On-site

$25.46/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Outdoor rail operation Put Your Welding Experience to Work Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Railcar Repair Technician for our Superior Township operation. This skilled-trade position ...

Railcar Mechanic

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Railcar Mechanic Kalamazoo, MI Road & Rail Services Road & Rail Services is hiring a dependable ... You will use hand tools, welding equipment, cutting torches, and fabrication skills to complete ...

Trailer Technician

Wayne, MI · On-site

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Repairs to roofs, panels, nose panels, upper and lower rails * Welding Minimum Qualifications: * Basic tool set (company will also have tools available on site) * Power and hand tool experience ...

Welder/Fabricator

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Perform MIG welding and fabrication on structural steel and miscellaneous metal components. * Fabricate and assemble stairs, railings, ladders, platforms, guardrails, and custom metal products.

New

Operate jig/fixture tables to accurately build and assemble railings, stairway systems, and custom furniture * Welding: Perform TIG welding on steel and aluminum materials * Finishing Work: Grind ...

Welder/Fabricator, II

Detroit, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

... Highway, Rail, and Civil Engineering industries. We are headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan ... Experience operating overhead crane, welding machines. * Proficient in straightening and finish ...

Welder/Fabricator, II

Detroit, MI · On-site

$19.75 - $25.50/hr

... Highway, Rail, and Civil Engineering industries. We are headquartered in Plymouth, Michigan ... Experience operating overhead crane, welding machines. * Proficient in straightening and finish ...

Metal Fabricator

Holland, MI

$25 - $33/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

Operate jig/fixture tables to accurately build and assemble railings, stairway systems, and custom furniture * Welding: Perform MIG and TIG welding on steel and aluminum materials * Finishing Work:

Metal Fabricator

Holland, MI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

Operate jig and fixture tables to accurately build and assemble railings, stairway systems, and custom furniture. * Welding: Perform MIG and TIG welding on steel and aluminum materials. * Finishing ...

Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations and with ... Locomotive Service Engineer certification a plus; welding certification a plus * At least eighteen ...

Mechanic

Bay City, MI · On-site

$29.80/hr

Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations and with ... Locomotive Service Engineer certification a plus; welding certification a plus * At least eighteen ...

Welder - Manufacturing

Detroit, MI · On-site

$37.97/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Fabrication and installation of tanks, stands, guard rails, roller conveyors, bollards, steel ... Responsible for welding, burning, heating, cutting and fabrication of all metal unless otherwise ...

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Showing results 1-20

Rail Welding information

See Michigan salary details

$12

$25

$39

How much do rail welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail welding in Michigan is $25.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.34 and $29.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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 popular job titles related to Rail Welding jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Rail Welding jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Rail Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Welding job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $54,005 per year, or $26 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago


Canadian National Railway rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 364 rated logistics


Job description

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:

  • 5 weeks at CN Campus (Homewood, IL) 

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