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Rail Welding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Welding Associate at Viva Railings is the artisan behind the assembly of our state-of-the-art railing products. Responsible for welding and fabricating our premium parts, you will use advanced ...

Rail Cutter

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Rail Cutter Keystone Rail Recovery is a family owned and operated business and we consider everyone ... Works with hydraulic tools, welding, cutting with torches, electrical tools and common hand tools ...

Rail Yard Diesel Mechanic

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

$21 - $24/hr

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Pacific Rail Services is seeking applicants for the Rail Yard Truck Mechanic position to join our ... Welding, fabricating. * Working on Electrical components. * Routine maintenance. * Assist in other ...

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Rail Welding information

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$14

$29

$45

How much do rail welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail welding in the United States is $29.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $34.13 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.

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Cities with the most Rail Welding job openings:

What states have the most Rail Welding jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Welding jobs include:

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

The top searched job categories for Rail Welding jobs are:

Infographic showing various Rail Welding job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,961 per year, or $29.8 per hour.

Welding Specialist

Amsted Rail Company Inc

Granite City, IL

$24.31/hr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Amsted Rail rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

178th of 490 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

  • Weld per AWS practices on all castings and grades of steel
  • Distinguish defects / inclusion and properly remove defects per AWS and ASF specification standards
  • Use carbon arc machinery for defect removal and identification including operating inside an enclosed carbon arc booth
  • Use a cutting torch / rosebud torch for local stress relief, metal removal, castings dressing, and gate removal
  • Identify, chip, grind, and blend surface discontinuities of all transit castings to ASF specifications; including grinding on welds and de-slagging to verify welds / repairs are done properly
  • Weld on attachments designated by casting requirements and the CWI procedures
  • Map out defects on digital / paper documentation for customer requirements, including verification of weld mapping
  • Visually indicate all repairs were successfully made and documented
  • Read gauge application drawings and apply gauges to all transit patterns
  • Operate overhead cranes / hoists safely as needed by management
  • Load / unload the transit castings into and out of the blast machine
  • Operate forklift to transfer castings from position to position
  • Chain and labor as designated by management
  • Operate an airless / HVLP paint gun for castings within a paint system
  • Operate a power washer / steam cleaning unit in preparation for castings to be painted
  • Run gauges on multiple patterns and products and record results/document as required
  • Assist castings prep for hydrostatic testing
  • Required testing per specification determined by CWI

What we offer you:

The hourly pay for this position is governed by the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The current starting rate for this role is $24.31 per hour, with progression through the established wage scale based on tenure and contractual increases outlined in the agreement. All compensation is administered in accordance with the terms of the union contract.

This non-exempt role is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the CBA and applicable federal and state laws.

Amsted Rail offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support employees’ health, well‑being, and long‑term financial security. For union-represented employees, benefits are provided in accordance with the applicable collective bargaining agreement and may include:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug coverage
  • Life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and additional wellness resources
  • Tuition reimbursement and career development programs
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays, per contract

Amsted Rail is an Equal Opportunity employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

To review our EEO Policies or to request assistance please go to www.amstedrail.com/careers/ and select EEO Compliance/Statements. To learn more about us, please visit us online at www.amstedrail.com.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities and any other basis covered by federal, state, or local law.


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About Amsted Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Amsted Rail is a global leader in providing innovative solutions and components for the rail industry. With a strong commitment to advancing rail technology and improving safety, Amsted Rail offers a wide range of products and services that enhance the performance and reliability of rail systems worldwide. As a trusted partner to railroads, transit systems, and freight operators, Amsted Rail specializes in the design, manufacturing, and distribution of high-quality freight car components, including bogies, couplers, wheelsets, and braking systems. Amsted cutting-edge solutions are engineered to withstand the demands of heavy-duty rail operations, improving efficiency, reducing maintenance costs, and enhancing overall railcar performance.

Industry

Transportation equipment manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1977