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Railcar Switching Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Learn more at Railserve Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role ...

Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and ...

Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules. Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures. Inspect locomotives prior to operation. Operate hand and ground ...

Operatios Manager

Toledo, OH · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Savage is looking for an Operations Manager to lead a specialized team in planning, organizing, and managing one of our rail operations in Toledo, OH, ensuring railcar switching and logistics ...

Savage is looking for an Operations Manager to lead a specialized team in planning, organizing, and managing one of our rail operations in Toledo, OH, ensuring railcar switching and logistics ...

Railcar Switching Operator This position will be responsible for the safe and efficient railcar switching and locomotive operations. Strong communication skills are required to be able to safely move ...

Yard Jockey/ Switcher

Newark, NJ · On-site

$20 - $28/hr

Familiarity with railcar switching operations and railroad safety standards. * Additional certifications related to equipment operation or safety training. * Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot ...

You'll help keep the railyard safe, clean, and operating efficiently while assisting with projects and learning the skills needed to support railcar switching operations. What You'll Do * Perform ...

You'll help keep the railyard safe, clean, and operating efficiently while assisting with projects and learning the skills needed to support railcar switching operations. What You'll Do * Perform ...

Summary of Essential Job Functions Railcar Movement & Switching * Operate rail equipment and perform interplant railcar switching in accordance with company and terminal rail procedures.

Unloader / Railcar Switcher - Linden, NJ Job Location: Linden, NJ Facility 1-7036 Office Location ... That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals ...

Showing results 21-40

Railcar Switching information

See salary details

$14

$21

$27

How much do railcar switching jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for railcar switching in the United States is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is railcar switching?

Railcar switching is the process of moving railcars within a rail yard or between tracks to organize them for loading, unloading, or assembling trains for departure. Workers, often called switchmen or yardmasters, use locomotives to reposition railcars according to schedules and cargo requirements. This job is essential for efficient rail operations and requires attention to safety and detail. Railcar switching can be physically demanding and involves working outdoors in various weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railcar switching operator?

To thrive as a Railcar Switching Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, and knowledge of rail yard operations and safety procedures. Familiarity with radio communication systems, railcar tracking software, and basic locomotive controls is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and situational awareness are critical soft skills that enhance safety and efficiency. Mastery of these skills ensures the safe, accurate, and timely movement of railcars, which is essential for smooth rail operations.

What are some common challenges faced by railcar switchers and how can they be managed effectively?

Railcar switchers often encounter challenges such as working in various weather conditions, coordinating with multiple team members, and maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols. Effective communication and situational awareness are key to managing these challenges, as switchers must constantly monitor rail traffic and respond quickly to changes. Regular safety training, teamwork, and attention to detail help minimize risks and ensure smooth operations throughout their shifts.

What is the difference between Railcar Switching vs Railcar Repair Technician?

AspectRailcar SwitchingRailcar Repair Technician
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsTechnical certifications, mechanical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching facilitiesRepair shops, industrial facilities
Industry UsageFrequent in freight and logisticsPrimarily in maintenance and repair
Job FocusMoving railcars within yardsInspecting and repairing railcars

Railcar Switching involves moving and organizing railcars within yards, focusing on logistics and safety. Railcar Repair Technicians specialize in maintaining and repairing railcars. While both roles work in rail industry environments, their responsibilities and required skills differ significantly.

How to become a railcar switching operator?

To become a railcar switching operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training provided by the employer. Skills in operating switching equipment, understanding safety protocols, and good communication are important; some positions may require certification or experience with rail yard operations.

What other helpful pages are available for Railcar Switching?

Other pages related to Railcar Switching:

Infographic showing various Railcar Switching job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,288 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Rail Switching Technician- Marion, OH

Marion, OH

Marmon
Accounting Services • 10K+ employees

$25 - $27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Marmon Holdings rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Railserve

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway-you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone's empowered to be their best.

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Marion to support daily rail switching operations within an industrial rail environment. This is a full-time, hands-on role critical to the safe movement, placement, and switching of railcars to support customer operations and production schedules.
This position is ideal for individuals who enjoy working outdoors, operating equipment, and being part of a safety-focused team. Railserve provides opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement within rail operations.

Who We Are
Railserve is a leading provider of industrial railyard services across the United States and Canada. Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail operations every day. With decades of industry experience, Railserve is built on a foundation of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence. We invest in our people, promote from within, and use innovative, safety-focused technology to keep railyards running efficiently. Learn more at Railserve

Job Description
Rail Switching Technicians are responsible for safely operating locomotives and rail equipment while coordinating railcar movement throughout an industrial facility. This role supports the timely and accurate switching, placement, and movement of railcars while maintaining compliance with company safety procedures and customer operating requirements.

Employees work in active industrial rail yard environments around locomotives, railcars, heavy equipment, and moving machinery. Daily responsibilities include operating switches and brakes, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and communicating movement instructions with crews and site leadership.

The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-focused, mechanically inclined, and comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Strong attendance, communication skills, and a commitment to safety are critical for success in this role.

Railserve promotes from within and provides opportunities for advancement into leadership and skilled rail operations positions.

Schedule
Schedule based on operational and customer needs
Overtime, weekends, holidays, and shift work may be required

Compensation
$25.00 - $27.00 per hour based on experience

Duties
Operate locomotives and rail equipment safely and efficiently
Perform railcar switching and placement according to operational schedules
Interpret train orders, signals, and operating procedures
Inspect locomotives prior to operation
Operate hand and ground throw switches, derails, and gates
Control equipment movement using radio communication, hand signals, and lanterns
Couple and uncouple railcars and connect air hoses
Apply and release hand brakes to secure equipment
Observe tracks and surroundings for safety hazards or obstructions
Handle train equipment safely using independent and automatic brakes
Assist in training new employees as needed
Complete reports related to delays, incidents, or operational activity
Lubricate and inspect locomotive components as required
Wear required personal protective equipment at all times
Follow company operating procedures and safety requirements
Perform additional operational duties as assigned

Job Requirements
High school diploma or GED required
Reliable transportation required
Strong attendance and dependability required
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
Ability to walk on uneven terrain and climb on rail equipment
Ability to lift, carry, and handle heavy equipment and materials
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities safely and effectively
Strong attention to detail and situational awareness
Ability to follow safety rules, operating procedures, and instructions
Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check
Military experience is a plus

What We Offer (Benefits)
Railserve is committed to being an Employer of Choice, offering competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package:

Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
Company-paid employee and dependent life insurance
Company-paid sickness and accident income
401(k) with company match
Annual safety shoe reimbursement
Prescription safety wear
Holiday pay
Vacation
Marmon employee discount program

Additional Information
Outdoor industrial rail yard environment
Exposure to locomotives, railcars, moving machinery, noise, dust, and varying weather conditions
Moderate to heavy physical labor required
Frequent walking, climbing, balancing, bending, kneeling, and lifting
Required use of personal protective equipment
Safety-sensitive position requiring strict compliance with company and customer safety procedures

Grow With Us
Don't worry if you don't meet every qualification. Railserve values reliability, work ethic, and a willingness to learn. Our tools, technology, and processes continue to evolve, and we invest in training and developing our people for long-term success.

Railserve provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. We recruit, hire, train, promote, and compensate employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

#LI-DNI

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to careers@marmon.com, and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.


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