1

Rail Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting. * Good understanding of Rail Track switching &Track Systems. * Good understanding of Train air &Brake systems as well as ...

Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting. * Good understanding of Rail Track switching &Track Systems. * Good understanding of Train air &Brake systems as well as ...

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

The Rail Operator oversees yard switching, railcar spotting, and tracking inventory compliance ... Working Conditions All duties require outside assignments and require periods of work in all ...

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction ...

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment ...

Rail Track Maintainer At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in ... You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of ...

Rail Track Maintainer At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in ... You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of ...

Rail Cutter Keystone Rail Recovery is a family owned and operated business and we consider everyone ... Ability to work well with customers and co-workers. * Ability to prioritize tasks and manage time ...

New

This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being ... Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment ...

New

Rail Track Maintainer At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in ... You'll be working on all types of equipment and structures designed to support the distribution of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Rail Worker information

See salary details

$11

$21

$29

How much do rail worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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:
Infographic showing various Rail Worker job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,035 per year, or $21.2 per hour.
Rail Operator

$21/hr

Other

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Description

Job summary

Rail Yard Operators are responsible for Safe movement and placement of Rail Cars, for communication with Rail Techs for Blue Flag clearance into loading locations as well giving track locations and for all interplant Rail Switching per instructions from Rail Coordinator.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to conform to the following: 

  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
  • Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
  • Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
  • Support the efforts of management in meeting profit and growth objectives as established in the strategic business plan.
  • Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and the organizations.
  • Work safely, within the company guidelines, standard operating procedures (SOP) and Job Safety Analysis (JSA).

Our Core values define our culture and create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Our core values are:   

SAFETY - The safety of our employees, customers and our communities is at the forefront of everything we do.

PERFECTION - We relentlessly strive for perfection, to provide unmatched quality services and constantly raising the bar on our performance.

SUSTAINABILITY - We are stewards of the environment, committed to protecting our natural resources and reducing waste.

RESPECT - We treat all people with dignity and value the collective power of teamwork.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP - We are scrappy, bold and never satisfied with the status quo.

Requirements

Summary of essential job functions

This job includes the following duties and any other as assigned by current manager:

  • To ensure Total Customer Satisfaction.
  • Follow all safety rules and regulations.
  • Complete daily inspections of equipment to be used kept clean and in good running order.
  • Must be knowledgeable on how to use all equipment necessary to complete any task given daily.
  • Maintain the cleanliness of the Switching Locomotive and Rail Track area.
  • Operate all in plant Rail Movement adhering to A&R Rail Operating Procedures and Safety Rules.
  • Communicate about any problems or concerns you may have with equipment or processes.
  • Immediately acknowledge and/or accept responsibility for damage to product, equipment, etc & Responsible for taking direction from Supervisor and or Rail Coordinator.
  • Responsible for any other duties as assigned by Management   

Minimum requirements

  • High School Degree / Associates Preferred
  • Rail Car Mover including switchmen or Locomotive / Track Mobile Engineer preferred.
  • Basic knowledge and good safety record in working in an industrial setting.
  • Good understanding of Rail Track switching &Track Systems.
  • Good understanding of Train air &Brake systems as well as Locomotive power systems.
  • Computer Proficiency with excel spread sheets, google docs, etc. Internal certifications for Safe Rail Operating procedures
  • Abilities required
  • Physically strong / healthy &capable walking / climbing / bending. 
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions. 

Abilities required

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential job functions.

While performing the responsibilities, the employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is often required to sit and use their hands and fingers, to handle or feel and to manipulate keys on a keyboard. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, and to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this job include close vision.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.