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Rail Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Rail Worker is responsible for safely loading and securing freight to railcars, performing routine equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean, compliant work area. This position requires ...

The Rail Worker is responsible for safely loading and securing freight to railcars, performing routine equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean, compliant work area. This position requires ...

The Rail Worker is responsible for safely loading and securing freight to railcars, performing routine equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean, compliant work area. This position requires ...

The Rail Worker is responsible for safely loading and securing freight to railcars, performing routine equipment inspections, and maintaining a clean, compliant work area. This position requires ...

This job would be suitable for persons looking for jobs in a warehouse, as a delivery driver, working outdoors, doing landscaping, and working in a railyard. You will be an employee of Pacific Rail ...

Rail Yard Worker

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50/hr

This job would be suitable for persons looking for jobs in a warehouse, as a delivery driver, working outdoors, doing landscaping, and working in a railyard. You will be an employee of Pacific Rail ...

Rail Electrical Worker

Seattle, WA · On-site

$67.70 - $71.76/hr

Rail Electrical Worker Shifts & Pay: 3rd Shift: 10pm-6am - $71.76/hr 2nd Shift: 2pm-10pm - $71.76/hr 1st Shift: 6am-2pm - $67.70/hr These positions are considered safety sensitive. Applicants for ...

Rail Electrical Worker This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service Rail Electrical Worker position vacancies (for 2nd & 3rd shifts). These positions perform skilled, journey-level ...

Rail Electrical Worker This recruitment will be used to fill multiple career service Rail Electrical Worker position vacancies (for 2nd & 3rd shifts). These positions perform skilled, journey-level ...

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Rail Worker information

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$11

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$29

How much do rail worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail worker in the United States is $21.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges rail workers face on the job, and how are they addressed?

Rail workers often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in various weather conditions, handling physically demanding tasks, and maintaining strict safety protocols. To address these, employers provide comprehensive safety training, personal protective equipment, and regular breaks. Additionally, teamwork and clear communication are emphasized to ensure tasks are completed efficiently and safely, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

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

To thrive as a Rail Worker, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, mechanical aptitude, and physical fitness, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as rail track inspection equipment, signaling systems, and safety procedures is essential, and some roles may require specialized certifications like OSHA training. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure safe, efficient rail operations and help prevent accidents or service disruptions.

What is the difference between Rail Worker vs Train Conductor?

AspectRail WorkerTrain Conductor
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma; safety and operational training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, maintenance sitesOnboard trains, stations, terminals
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, freight and passenger companiesPassenger rail services, commuter trains
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Rail workers perform maintenance, track inspection, and safety tasks in rail yards and along tracks, ensuring the infrastructure is operational. Train conductors primarily operate onboard trains, managing passenger safety, ticketing, and communication with the crew. While both roles are essential in the rail industry, rail workers focus on infrastructure and safety, whereas train conductors handle train operations and passenger service.

What are rail workers?

Rail workers are professionals who build, maintain, and repair railway tracks, trains, and related infrastructure. Their duties include inspecting tracks, operating track-laying machinery, fixing signals, and ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains. Rail workers may specialize in different areas such as track maintenance, train operation, or signal and communication systems. Their work is essential for the safety and reliability of rail transportation systems. Rail workers often work outdoors and may be required to work nights, weekends, and in all weather conditions.
More about Rail Worker jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Worker jobs? Cities with the most Rail Worker job openings:
What states have the most Rail Worker jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Worker jobs include:
Railroad Worker (Rail Movement Technician) (No Per Diem)

Railroad Worker (Rail Movement Technician) (No Per Diem)

Brown and Root

Mcintosh, AL

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Brown & Root rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 43 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

313th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

Long Term Maintenance - No Per Diem

Work Hours 4 Ten hour days

Must pass pre-employment physical and background

Knowledge of rail operations: Understanding of rail operations, inspections, and maintenance is preferred. Strong teamwork and communication skills: Ability to work effectively within a team and communicate clearly with others.

Attention to detail: Ability to work safely and follow all site-specific safety protocols.

A Railroad Worker is responsible for performing manual labor and operating machinery to support the construction, maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks, railcars, and equipment. This position involves working in various environments, including rail yards, along tracks, or on trains. Railroad Workers play a critical role in ensuring that rail operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently by performing physical tasks, inspecting equipment, and maintaining track conditions.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Track Maintenance & Repair:
    • Inspect and repair railroad tracks, including rails, ties, ballast, and switches, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards.
    • Remove and replace damaged or worn-out rails, spikes, and ties.
    • Operate track maintenance machinery such as tampers, grinders, and ballast regulators.
    • Clear and maintain rights-of-way, removing obstacles like vegetation or debris that could interfere with safe rail operations.
  • Railcar and Equipment Maintenance:
    • Inspect and perform routine maintenance on railcars, locomotives, and other railway equipment.
    • Repair and adjust railcar components such as brakes, couplers, and wheels to ensure proper operation.
    • Use tools and equipment, including wrenches, jacks, and cutting torches, to repair or replace railcar parts.
  • Switching & Yard Work:
    • Assist in the switching of railcars within the yard, attaching and detaching cars from trains as needed.
    • Signal engineers using hand signals or radios to ensure proper train movement within the yard or along tracks.
    • Couple and uncouple railcars, connecting air brake hoses, and ensuring secure connections.
  • Safety & Compliance:
    • Follow all safety protocols, including wearing required personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to OSHA and FRA guidelines.
    • Participate in safety briefings and report any safety hazards or equipment malfunctions to supervisors.
    • Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company standards while working on tracks, trains, or in the yard.
  • Operational Support:
    • Assist with loading and unloading cargo from railcars, securing freight, and ensuring proper distribution of weight.
    • Work alongside engineers, conductors, and other railroad personnel to coordinate rail movements and operations.
    • Assist with the assembly and disassembly of trains, preparing them for transit.

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About Brown & Root

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Brown & Root is a prominent player in the industrial service industry, with their headquarters nestled in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, US. With a substantial history dating back to 1919, the company has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive solutions to their customers, primarily in engineering, construction, maintenance, operations, and other related industrial services. Brown & Root’s core mission is echoed in their commitment to safety, customer satisfaction, integrity, and delivering high-quality services. They also take pride in their culture of continuous improvement which has yielded significant achievements such as earning a spot in the Engineering News-Record's top 400 contractors list.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1919