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Rail Yard Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Jurgensen Companies

Rail Yard Laborer/Maintenance

Cleves, OH · On-site

$14.50 - $17.25/hr

Join our company as a Rail Yard Maintenance Technician and play a vital role in supporting the safe and efficient movement of materials across our rail-served facilities. This position is ideal for ...

Universal Logistics Holdings

Rail Yard Hostler

Denver, CO

$21.50 - $26.75/hr

In addition, this position will drive trailers and chassis with containers around the rail yard terminal as they are loaded and unloaded to/from the train. This is a physically demanding role that ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Yard Laborer

Houston, TX · On-site

$14/hr

PRS Auto is seeking individuals to unload (drive) new automobiles off of Railcars at the Union Pacific (UP) Houston, TX rail terminal! This is an entry-level position with the opportunity for growth ...

Rail Management Services

Rail Yard Worker

Columbia, SC · On-site

$14.50/hr

PRS Auto (CSX West Columbia Railroad) Dixiana - South Carolina 3450 Charleston Hwy. W. Columbia, SC. 29172. This is an entry-level position with the opportunity for growth for individuals who are ...

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Rail Yard information

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How much do rail yard jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail yard in the United States is $17.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in a rail yard environment?

Working in a rail yard often involves managing complex logistics, coordinating with multiple teams, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Employees may face challenges such as working outdoors in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and responding quickly to operational changes or emergencies. Effective communication and attention to detail are essential, as the role often requires collaboration with train crews, dispatchers, and maintenance staff to ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

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

To thrive as a Rail Yard Worker, you need a good understanding of rail operations, safety procedures, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication devices, railcar switching equipment, and basic mechanical tools is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills for ensuring efficient and safe yard operations. These skills and qualities are crucial for minimizing accidents, maintaining workflow, and supporting the smooth movement of freight within the rail yard.

What are rail yard workers and what do they do?

Rail yard workers, also known as rail yard operatives or switchmen, are responsible for organizing and directing the movement of trains and railcars within a rail yard. Their tasks include assembling trains, switching railcars to different tracks, inspecting equipment, and ensuring safety procedures are followed. They play a crucial role in making sure that freight and passenger trains are correctly formed and ready for their scheduled departures.

What is the difference between Rail Yard vs Rail Car Loader?

AspectRail YardRail Car Loader
Primary RoleManaging and coordinating train movements, switching cars, and overseeing yard operationsLoading and unloading cargo from rail cars at specific locations
Work EnvironmentLarge rail yards with multiple tracks and switching equipmentRail cars at loading facilities, often outdoors or in warehouses
CertificationsTypically requires safety training, possibly a commercial driver’s license (CDL)Safety training, sometimes OSHA certifications

Rail Yard workers oversee the overall operation of rail yards, coordinating train movements and managing switching tasks. Rail Car Loaders focus specifically on loading and unloading cargo from rail cars at designated sites. While both roles require safety training and involve outdoor work, Rail Yard positions involve broader operational responsibilities within a rail yard environment, whereas Rail Car Loaders specialize in cargo handling at loading points.

More about Rail Yard jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Yard jobs? Cities with the most Rail Yard job openings:
What states have the most Rail Yard jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Yard jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rail Yard jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Yard jobs are:
Rail Yard jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Yard job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,821 per year, or $17.2 per hour.
Rail Yard Conductor

Rail Yard Conductor

Rail Management Services

Walkertown, NC • On-site

$16/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

PRS Auto is hiring immediately for a Railroad Conductor with NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED to join our team working at the Norfolk Southern Walkertown, NC Terminal!  This will be on the job training as we'll teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful on the job. 
We are looking for ambitious, capable, and skilled team members to join our nationwide crew. We offer a team-oriented atmosphere with quality employee benefits, and room to grow your career!  We have multiple shifts available both day and night.
Apply Online or in Person at the work location:
PRS Auto (NS Walkerton Railroad)
3625 Williston Rd
Walkertown NC 27051

Starting Rate of pay is $16.00/hr
APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45 minute commute of the business location. OUT OF AREA candidates and/or those requiring a relocation will NOT be considered.
Job Summary
The Conductor is responsible for the movement of rail equipment to ensure the accurate placement of rail cars that will facilitate the loading and unloading of trains in the rail yard.
Various shifts available both day and night (Typically 8-12 hr shifts depending on workload) 

Job Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for assisting the Train Engineer with the movement of rail equipment (locomotives, rail cars, tracks, etc.) within the rail yard in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Maintain an efficient and orderly rail yard by moving rail cars and freeing rail tracks for incoming rail traffic.
  • Manage rail track switches to direct rail cars to appropriate tracks.
  • Ability to connect and disconnect rail air hoses as needed to consolidate rail cars efficiently.
  • Lead job briefings with the Supervisors and crew prior to work beginning.
  • Ensures compliance is met under HAZMAT and OSHA Regulations. This includes reporting any incidents to the supervisory immediately.
  • The conductor is required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), such as a safety vest, safety glasses, hearing protection, and safety toe boots.
  • Responsible for maintaining clear communication with Train Engineer/Operator and other crew members while moving locomotives with either verbal, hand, or radio signals.
  • Participates in daily safety briefings.
  • Inspects all rail equipment to ensure there is no damage and notify the operator and supervisor immediately if there is.
  • Handles all rail equipment in a safe and efficient manner.
  • Maintain awareness and organization within the rail yard, including attention to the ground surface (potholes, debris, and/or slippery conditions).

Minimum Qualifications:
  • You must have a valid driver's license.
  • You must have advanced knowledge of the railroad industry from vocational education, apprenticeship, on-the-job training, or similar experience.
  • You must be able to pass a vision and hearing test.
  • You must have excellent written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with a variety of individuals.

Work Environment Requirements:
  • Job duties are performed in an ambient outdoor environment, which would include varying conditions (rain, snow, ice, heat, wind, cold, etc).
  • This position requires that you travel throughout the yard and the transfer station either by walking and/or driving.
  • The noise level in the work environment is loud and this noise is continuous.
  • You must have the ability to work in an environment which can be hazardous at times.  
  • You must have the physical ability to see and hear fast-moving equipment and be able to move so that you can remain safe always.

Benefits:
  • Medical | Dental | Vision Insurance.
  • Paid Vacation, Holidays, and Personal Days.
  • Life Insurance.
  • 401k.

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 PRS Auto and not an employee of the Railroad.