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Rail Works Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Road & Rail Services Pay: $20.00 per hour Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m ... This entry-level opportunity is a strong fit for someone who notices small details, works ...

Road & Rail Services Pay: $20.00 per hour Job Type: Full-Time Schedule: Wednesday-Sunday, 8:30 a.m ... This entry-level opportunity is a strong fit for someone who notices small details, works ...

Gary Railway Company | Car Repairer

Gary, IN · On-site

$22 - $26.75/hr

Providing rail transport services to hundreds of satisfied customers throughout the nation ... This position works outdoors in industrial settings, in all weather conditions. Job ...

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Carpenter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$24 - $34/hr

Vertical Works Inc. - Utopian Villas - Riemer Remodel is currently seeking an experienced Carpenter ... railings * Knowledge and ability to perform interior finishes such as fiberglass insulation ...

Carpenter

Waukegan, IL · On-site

$20.75 - $28/hr

Vertical Works Inc. - Utopian Villas - Riemer Remodel is currently seeking an experienced Carpenter ... railings * Knowledge and ability to perform interior finishes such as fiberglass insulation ...

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Rail Works information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$21

$26

$31

How much do rail works jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail works in Chicago, IL is $26.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.76 and $28.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail works?

Rail works refer to the construction, maintenance, and repair of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signaling systems, and related structures. This work ensures that rail networks are safe, efficient, and reliable for transporting passengers and goods. Rail works can involve tasks such as laying new tracks, upgrading old rails, inspecting and replacing components, and managing large-scale rail projects. Professionals involved in rail works may include engineers, laborers, project managers, and safety inspectors. The job often requires specialized skills, adherence to safety standards, and the ability to work in varying weather and time conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail works professional?

To thrive as a Rail Works professional, you need a solid understanding of rail infrastructure, safety protocols, and construction or maintenance techniques, often supported by relevant vocational training or certifications. Familiarity with specialized rail tools, heavy machinery, and safety systems such as Personal Track Safety (PTS) certification is typically required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality rail operations and maintenance in a safety-critical environment.

What are some common challenges faced in rail works roles and how can new employees prepare for them?

Rail Works roles often involve working in varying weather conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. New employees may find the early morning or overnight shifts challenging, as well as the physical demands of the job. To prepare, it's helpful to familiarize yourself with safety regulations, develop good communication skills for team coordination, and maintain physical fitness. Embracing a proactive attitude toward learning and safety can help ease the transition and contribute positively to both personal and team success.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Works jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Rail Works jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Works jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Works jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Rail Works jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Rail Works job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Works job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,932 per year, or $26.4 per hour.

Manager, Transportation - Rail

Chicago Transit Authority

Chicago, IL • On-site

$117K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Chicago Transit Authority rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 36 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

650th of 854 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

SALARY
$117,945.85
POSITION SUMMARY
Manages, plans, and coordinates staff actions and performance of rail operations personnel at the route/terminal levels. Supervises operations in the respective service areas to ensure the highest quality of safe, on-time, clean and friendly transit service. Effectively and efficiently addresses service challenges presented by weather, service emergencies and normal day-to-day operations to ensure that the needs of the internal and external customers are met.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
• Supervises and provides mentoring support to employees regarding work assignment, job duties and responsibilities, including the performance and procedures associated with job functions.
o Investigates violations of rules, regulations and standard operating procedures.
o Conducts interviews of employees when violations of the Authority's rules, regulations, policies and procedures occur.
o Determines and administers the appropriate course of action in accordance with the established guidelines of the Authority and Local Union.
o Maintains the appropriate tracking documents as a resource to record/document interviews that have been conducted.
• Manages staff to ensure safe and high quality customer service is met.
o Travels to accident and emergency sites to supervise, rail service personnel and their operations.
o Works to implement campaigns to prevent employee and passenger accidents through observations, safety audits, accident/incident investigations, and monitoring compliance with safety regulations.
o Recommends corrective measures to prevent accidents, reduce injuries, and minimize customer service complaints.
o Communicates alternate routes, advises on shuttle service, and works in conjunction with management staff to ensure that staffing needs are met.
o Answers customer service questions and resolves customer complaints on the field.
o Observes operations and recommends service improvements to maintain and increase ridership.
• Collaborates with employees and communicates externally and internally to handle employee matters.
o Reviews and investigates employee grievances and complaints.
o Decides to accept or deny requests through investigation, employee interviews, and discussions with local Union representatives.
o Prepares grievance responses at the first level of the process.
o Responds to routine union questions and concerns directly and/or through interaction with other internal entities.
• Observes and evaluates staff and supervisor performance for compliance with rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures (i.e., employee contact, line rides, station inspections). Identifies and responds to performance deviations and determines the corrective course of action. This includes conducting investigations in regards to customer service complaints and monitoring revenue collection in regards to ensure staff compliance.
• Serves as first level CTA contact, attends community meetings, and interacts with governmental and city agencies to monitor special events and coordinate service to ensure service levels will be met. Communicates this information to senior management.
• Hires, trains, develops, monitors, and evaluates staff. Reviews and recommends personnel actions for approval.
• Performs related duties as assigned.
MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to this position are the following jobs:
Job Title
• Tower Worker, Switch Worker, Rapid Transit Operators, Flaggers, Information Specialists, Transitional Return to Work (TRTW) Employees.
• Universal Rail Supervisors
• Rail Clerks
• Project Specialists
CHALLENGES
• Designing and enforcing safety and service procedures to ensure the highest level of rail service reliability.
• Providing safe, on-time, reliable service to community while balancing personnel and budget restraints.
• Remaining calm at all times and in a multitude of different situations.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
• Bachelor's degree in a related field or a combination of education and experience relating to position.
• Three (3) or more years of experience preferably in the fleet and/or transportation industry and project management experience with a strong customer service focus, plus two (2) years in a supervisory role related to the responsibilities of the position.
• Experience in transit operations.
• Experience working in a multi-union environment.
• Valid State of Illinois Driver's license.
• Once hired, it is expected that incumbent successfully complete a rail operations familiarization program within six (6) months.
• Required to maintain current Rail Safety or Train Operating Certification.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
• When in the field - must be able to tolerate extreme weather conditions and long intense work periods.
• Requires remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time and constantly operating a computer and other office productivity machinery.
• Service Area Requirement: Exempt (Non-Union) employees must live within the boundaries of the CTA Statutory Service Area either at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Detailed knowledge of operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive transportation system.
• Detailed knowledge of transit passenger and employee safety principles.
• Working knowledge of procedures and requirements for record keeping and reporting of incidents, emergencies, labor hours, and related topics.
• Working knowledge of public transit rail operations and administration.
• Strong employee interviewing skills in regards to accidents, complaints, grievances, and disciplinary actions.
• Strong conflict resolution and customer service skills.
• Strong, written and oral, communication skills.
• Intermediate computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite preferred).
• Ability to direct people during an emergency situation calmly and with ease.
• Ability to research, analyze, and prepare reports on rail operations
WORKING CONDITIONS
• Subject to adverse weather conditions related to outside work on CTA platforms, terminals and rail yards.
• Subject to being on-call 24/7 and must be available for emergency calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• Splits time working in rail yards, terminal platforms and office environment.
• Works in close proximity to moving vehicles and energized third rail. Required to walk in yard areas where footing may be uncertain.
• Works various hours and shifts subject to change weekly.
• Vacation and other time off requests are limited in periods of special events and seasonal weather alerts.
EQUIPMENT, TOOLS, AND MATERIALS UTILIZED
• Standard office equipment.
• Required to carry and respond to a company issued cellphone at all times.
• Required to carry and respond to radio calls while on duty.

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