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Rail Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Zephyr Rail

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$104K - $180K/yr

Oversee Rail Worker Safety Certification Programs, employee training, and orientation for new staff and subcontractors. * Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action ...

Zephyr U A S Inc

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

$104 - $180/hr

Oversee Rail Worker Safety Certification Programs, employee training, and orientation for new staff and subcontractors. * Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action ...

Zephyr U A S Inc

Safety Manager

Orange, CA · On-site

Oversee Rail Worker Safety Certification Programs, employee training, and orientation for new staff and subcontractors. * Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action ...

Associated Feed & Supply

Rail Unloader

Turlock, CA · On-site

Rail UnloadersDepartment: ProductionLocation: Hughson, CAFull/Part-Time: Full- timeRegular ... Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and customers * Follow written ...

Associated Feed

Rail Unloader

Hughson, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $18.75/hr

Rail Unloaders Reporting to the Production Supervisor, the rail unloader is required to operate ... Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and customers * Follow written ...

Associated Feed and Supply Co

Rail Unloader

Turlock, CA · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Job Title: Rail UnloadersDepartment: ProductionLocation: Hughson, CAFull/Part-Time: Full ... Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers and customers * Follow written ...

Wilson & Company

Rail Engineer

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

This role will support rail projects from planning and feasibility through final design and construction, working closely with project managers, technical staff, clients, and field personnel to ...

AECOM

Rail Systems Coordinator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is seeking a Rail Systems Coordinator for one of our offices in Sacramento, CA ... Working under the direction of the Deputy Program Construction Director, this role facilitates ...

AECOM

Rail Systems Coordinator

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Join us. AECOM is seeking a Rail Systems Coordinator for one of our offices in Sacramento, CA ... Working under the direction of the Deputy Program Construction Director, this role facilitates ...

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Rail Worker information

See California salary details

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How much do rail worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail worker in California is $20.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $24.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail worker?

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.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a rail worker?

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 common challenges do 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 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.

How do you become a rail worker?

To become a rail worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant experience or training, and sometimes a commercial driver's license or safety certifications. Many positions require passing background checks and drug tests, and on-the-job training is common to learn safety procedures and equipment operation.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Worker jobs in California?

For Rail Worker jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Worker jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Worker jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Rail Worker jobs?

Cities in California with the most Rail Worker job openings:

Rail Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,458 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Safety Manager

Zephyr Rail

Orange, CA • On-site

$104K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About Zephyr Rail
Zephyr Rail is an engineering design and construction management firm based in Orange, CA. We specialize in providing comprehensive solutions in railroad design, construction management, and UAV solutions. We are proud to have earned Zweig Group's recognition as a "Best Firms to Work For" for four consecutive years, demonstrating our commitment to our team and our industry.
Job Summary
As a Safety Manager, you will be a key leader responsible for developing, implementing, and enforcing a comprehensive safety program for Zephyr Rail's rail and transportation projects. You will oversee all on-site safety protocols, conduct inspections, and ensure full compliance with FRA, OSHA, and other regulatory standards to protect all personnel and assets. This role is crucial for fostering a proactive safety culture and mitigating risk across all project phases.
Responsibilities
  • Develop, implement, and maintain Zephyr Rail's Corporate Safety Program, Site-Specific Safety Plans (SSSPs), and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) in alignment with FRA, OSHA, and Cal/OSHA regulations.
  • Conduct regular field safety inspections and audits of construction sites, documenting compliance with regulatory and contract requirements.
  • Oversee Rail Worker Safety Certification Programs, employee training, and orientation for new staff and subcontractors.
  • Lead incident investigations, root-cause analyses, and corrective action tracking.
  • Prepare and maintain all safety records, reports, and metrics, submitting findings to the Resident Engineer and leadership team.
  • Collaborate with contractors, field inspectors, and client safety representatives to ensure consistent safety standards across all active projects.
  • Champion a "Safety First" culture by providing mentorship, toolbox talks, and on-site coaching to employees and partners.

Qualifications
  • 10+ years of experience in safety management, construction engineering, construction management, or rail safety management.
  • Rail/track experience is highly preferred.
  • It's required to hold the Construction Safety and Health Technician (CHST) certification.
  • A minimum of OSHA 30-hour training, First Aid/CPR/BBP, and AED training.
  • Strong working knowledge of Cal OSHA and FRA requirements.
  • Experience preparing and auditing SSSPs, JHAs, and incident reports for public transportation or infrastructure projects.
  • Ability to influence and lead safety culture across multi-disciplinary CM/PM teams.
  • Valid California Class C Driver's License and ability to travel to project sites throughout Southern California.
  • Public agency project experience (e.g., LA Metro, Caltrain, LOSSAN, SANDAG, Metrolink) preferred.
  • Authorized to work in the U.S.

Salary Range: $104,000 - $180,000 / annually
Benefits
Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision, 401(k) Plan (with company match), Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays, Disability Insurance, Educational Assistance and Licensure Support, Performance-based Bonuses, Service Awards, Flexible/Hybrid Work Arrangements (role-dependent).
How to Apply
We're excited to hear from you! Feel free to apply directly on our careers page or learn more about the opportunities at www.zuirail.com/careers. If you don't find exactly what you're looking for, don't hesitate to send your resume to [email protected]. We would be pleased to consider you as a potential new member of our passionate team!
At Zephyr Rail, we're an equal opportunity employer dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion.
Note to Recruiters and Job Placement Agencies
We do not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate profiles from recruiters or agencies. We will consider any unsolicited resumes we receive as our property and will process them accordingly. We will only consider direct applicants.
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