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Rail Yard Laborer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Collins & Hermann

Yard Laborer

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$15.25 - $17.75/hr

- Yard Laborer Collins & Hermann, Inc., an experienced Midwest specialty contractor focused on ... Employee is responsible for operating a forklift and handling guard rail and other construction ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

System One

Rail Yard Groundskeeper

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$27/hr

Support general labor activities related to rail yard operations and facility upkeep. * Maintain landscaping and grounds equipment, ensuring it is clean, safe, and in good working condition. * Follow ...

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Rail Yard Laborer information

See salary details

$10

$16

$22

How much do rail yard laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail yard laborer in the United States is $16.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $17.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail yard laborer?

Rail yard laborers, also known as rail yard workers or switchmen, are responsible for assisting in the safe and efficient movement of trains and railcars within a rail yard. Their duties include coupling and uncoupling railcars, operating track switches, inspecting and maintaining equipment, and sometimes signaling to train crews. They play a crucial role in organizing railcars for loading, unloading, and assembling trains according to schedules. The job often requires physical labor, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail yard laborer?

To thrive as a Rail Yard Laborer, you need strong physical stamina, attention to safety protocols, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with rail yard equipment, hand tools, and sometimes certifications in hazardous materials handling or forklift operation are typical requirements. Dependability, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills that help ensure smooth coordination and accident prevention. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining safety, efficiency, and productivity in a demanding rail yard environment.

What are some common challenges rail yard laborers face during their shifts?

Rail Yard Laborers often work in outdoor environments where weather conditions can vary greatly, which may present physical challenges. They are required to stay alert and follow safety protocols closely due to the presence of heavy machinery, moving trains, and complex logistics. Adapting to irregular work hours, including nights and weekends, is also common, as rail yards operate around the clock. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as laborers regularly coordinate with engineers, conductors, and other crew members to ensure efficient and safe rail yard operations.

What is the difference between Rail Yard Laborer vs Rail Car Cleaner?

AspectRail Yard LaborerRail Car Cleaner
CredentialsNone required or basic OSHA trainingNone required, OSHA training may be provided
Work EnvironmentRail yards, outdoor, physically demandingRail cars, indoor/outdoor, cleaning and maintenance
Industry UsageCommonly employed in rail yards and freight terminalsPrimarily in rail car maintenance facilities
Job FocusAssisting with loading, unloading, and yard organizationCleaning and inspecting rail cars

The main difference between a Rail Yard Laborer and a Rail Car Cleaner lies in their job focus and work environment. Rail Yard Laborers handle yard operations, loading, and organizing freight, often outdoors in busy rail yards. Rail Car Cleaners specialize in cleaning and inspecting rail cars, typically within maintenance facilities. Both roles require physical effort but differ in specific duties and settings.

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What cities are hiring for Rail Yard Laborer jobs?

Cities with the most Rail Yard Laborer job openings:

What states have the most Rail Yard Laborer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Yard Laborer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Yard Laborer jobs?

For Rail Yard Laborer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Rail Yard Laborer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Yard Laborer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,905 per year, or $16.8 per hour.

Rail Yard Laborer

East Saint Louis, IL

Rail Management Services LLC
Trucking • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about Rail Management Services LLCexternal

$60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

About the Job

We are hiring immediately for this position at 2 railyards in the Fairmont City and Lindenwood areas in a recession proof industry! This is an entry level position with on the job training. We'll teach you everything you need to know in order to be successful on the job. No Experience is required. The job is a combination of a Hostler Driver and Ground Person as they are 1 and the same job.

Watch this YouTube video to see what you'll be doing. Copy and Paste:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI

You'll have the potential to make $60,000 a year in hourly pay with overtime included!

Shifts:

  • BNSF Lindenwood is hiring for a 6pm shift.
  • Fairmont City is hiring for a 3pm shift.
  • Both locations require working up to 12 hours daily.

Benefits: (Medical Starts after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your 90 day probationary period)

  • Affordable Healthcare and Vision Benefits, Free Dental
  • Free Life Insurance
  • 6 paid holidays as well as paid personal days (Same as sick time) and Vacation Pay
  • Boot reimbursement
  • 401K available
  • Yearly Raises
  • Advancement Opportunities to become a lift operator, foreman, supervisor and even management.

Qualifications: (NO RAILROAD EXPERIENCE REQUIRED)

  • Have a valid Driver's License.
  • Pass a drug test & a Physical Capabilities Test.
  • No GED or diploma required.
  • Strong communication skills required.
  • There are other requirements not listed that will be discussed during the interview process.

APPLICANTS MUST currently live within a 45 minute commute of St Louis. OUT OF AREA candidates and/or those requiring relocation will NOT be considered.

Responsibilities:

  • Drive a jockey truck moving 53ft trailers, containers, and chassis around the yard.
  • Various Groundperson duties, climbing on and off railcars, locking and unlocking tracks, putting in and taking out inner box connectors (IBC's).
  • Assist packer operators in loading and unloading the equipment using hand signals.
  • Assist in the process of stacking and unstacking chassis as well as loading and unloading chassis racks.
  • Other assigned duties.

This job would be suitable for persons looking for jobs in a warehouse, as a delivery driver, a forklift driver, working outdoors, a laborer, doing landscaping, and working in a railyard.

You will be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be considered an employee of the railroad.

Apply