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Railroad Apprentice Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Apprentice (No Experience): $22.07/hour * Journeyman (With Experience): $24.28/hour 🕐 Status ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

Apprentice (No Experience): $22.07/hour * Journeyman (With Experience): $24.28/hour 🕐 Status ... The Federal Rail Administration sets and enforces safety regulations and standards for railroad ...

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Railroad Apprentice information

See Kansas salary details

$10

$19

$33

How much do railroad apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad apprentice in Kansas is $19.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.43 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad apprentice?

Railroad Apprentices are entry-level workers who undergo on-the-job training to learn the skills necessary for various positions within the railroad industry, such as conductor, engineer, or maintenance worker. They work under the supervision of experienced railroad employees, gaining practical experience in operating trains, maintaining tracks and equipment, and following safety procedures. The apprenticeship typically combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to prepare apprentices for a full-time career in railroads. Completion of an apprenticeship can lead to certification and advancement opportunities within the industry.

What are some of the typical challenges a railroad apprentice might face during their training period?

As a Railroad Apprentice, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular work hours, working outdoors in varying weather conditions, and learning to operate heavy machinery safely. The role often requires quick problem-solving skills and the ability to communicate effectively with experienced team members. Balancing hands-on tasks with ongoing technical training can also be demanding, but it provides a strong foundation for career advancement within the railroad industry.

What is the difference between Railroad Apprentice vs Railroad Laborer?

AspectRailroad ApprenticeRailroad Laborer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma or equivalent; minimal formal training
Work EnvironmentTraining alongside experienced workers, learning technical skillsPhysical, outdoor work often involving manual labor
Industry UsageEntry-level position in railroad construction and maintenanceGeneral manual labor in railroad projects

Railroad Apprentices typically undergo structured training to develop technical skills, whereas Railroad Laborers focus on manual tasks. Both roles are essential in railroad construction and maintenance, but apprentices are in a learning phase with potential for career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad apprentice?

To thrive as a Railroad Apprentice, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical aptitude, and a willingness to learn railroad operations and safety standards. Familiarity with hand tools, heavy machinery, and railroad-specific safety certifications such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) training are typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and communication skills help apprentices adapt quickly and work safely with experienced crews. These competencies ensure apprentices can learn effectively, prioritize safety, and contribute to efficient railroad operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Railroad jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Apprentice jobs in Kansas? For Railroad Apprentice jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Railroad Apprentice jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Railroad Apprentice job openings:
Infographic showing various Railroad Apprentice job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,852 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

Signal Apprentice - Dodge City, KS

BNSF Railway

Garden City, KS • On-site

$34.34/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


BNSF Railway rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 151 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 359 rated logistics


Job description

Job Location: Dodge City, KS
Other Potential Locations: Dodge City, KS
Anticipated Start Date: 10/30/2023
Number of Positions: 1
Salary Range: Entry rate is approx. $34.34/hr; avg annual pay 85K-95K with 3-5 years seniority.

All communication with applicants will be done via email. Please check your email on a daily basis.

Who we are and what we do

Do you want to be a part of something that really matters? Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight. Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces.

What we believe

At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to:

  • be treated with dignity and respect.
  • have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.
  • have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions.

SAFETY

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure.? Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining train control systems and grade crossing warning device equipment.

MAINTENANCE

  • Load and unload supplies

  • Dig holes and trenches for cable

  • Paint signal equipment

  • Climb poles and signal masts

  • Handle cable and wire to make electrical connections

MACHINES AND TOOLS

  • Use non-power tools such as shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers

  • Use high precision measuring tools such as micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, recorders

  • Use hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures

  • Use power tools such as drills and power saws

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position's duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Extreme all-weather conditions

  • Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces

  • Safety sensitive work environment

  • Exposure to loud noise and fumes

  • Work on/around heavy/moving machinery

SHIFTS/HOURS

  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)

  • Subject to on-call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays

TRAVEL

  • Travel to and remain on job sites around designated seniority region, sometimes for extended periods of time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 18 years of age, or will be by the anticipated start date listed above

  • Possess a valid state-issued driver's license or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment

  • Ability to report for duty at the designated work location

  • Able to work safely in the above working conditions

  • Able to work the above shift/hours

  • Able to meet the above travel requirements

  • Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English

  • Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally

  • Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light)

  • Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.

  • Able to use hands and hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling

  • Occasionally climb ladders; get on/off equipment; climb signal poles to perform installations

  • Bend, walk, stand, sit for extended time

  • Follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment

TRAINING

  • Successful candidate(s) will participate in a two-year apprenticeship to include on-the-job and classroom training

RELOCATION

  • Assistance not available

UNION

  • Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

  • Dues required per union agreement

SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS

  • Per union agreement

  • Seniority-based

  • Require Manager approval

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

  • 90 days

BENEFITS:

BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.
All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS:
  • Criminal history
  • Last 7 years of driving history
  • Last 5 years of employment history to include military service
  • Social Security number
  • Education

MEDICAL REVIEW ELEMENTS:
  • Medical evaluation
  • Drug Screen
  • Other elements as needed

DRUG TEST ELEMENTS:
BNSF is committed to a safe and drug free work place and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a hair drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping BNSF safe and drug free.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. A TWIC is a condition of employment for such positions and requires candidates to those positions to submit to a TSA security assessment (to include, but not limited to, providing: biographic information; identity documents; fingerprints; digital photograph). More information is available at https://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic.

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

F: MO | Engineering Transitioning Military | Operations - Engineering | Dodge City, KS

All communication with applicants will be done via email. Please check your email on a daily basis.

Who we are and what we do

Do you want to be a part of something that really matters? Team BNSF includes professionals focused on safety and service that play a vital role in delivering the nation's freight. Together, we help move goods and materials that sustain life and support local, national and global economies. Our rail network is one of the largest freight railroads, spanning 28 western states and serving three Canadian provinces.

What we believe

At BNSF, our Vision and Values drive who we are, not only in our words, but also our actions. BNSF is committed to our foundational values of equality and inclusion. As members of the BNSF community, our employees are entitled to:

  • be treated with dignity and respect.
  • have equal access to tools, resources, training and development opportunities.
  • have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.

We model the way through our leadership, our BNSF Diversity Councils, our eclectic Business Resource Groups, our deep involvement and investment in the communities we serve and through training programs. Our actions create an inclusive, open and collaborative workplace that encourages diverse perspectives in all interactions.

SAFETY

At BNSF, Safety is a core value of how we do business. Each and every day, our employees are committed to approach one another about safety, which is key in realizing our vision. Employees are also expected to comply with company and federal safety & health regulations, safety rules & policies, as well as procedures that guide work practices to reduce risk to exposure.? Such work practices include but are not limited to wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns, and taking appropriate actions in the event of an emergency.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining train control systems and grade crossing warning device equipment.

MAINTENANCE

  • Load and unload supplies

  • Dig holes and trenches for cable

  • Paint signal equipment

  • Climb poles and signal masts

  • Handle cable and wire to make electrical connections

MACHINES AND TOOLS

  • Use non-power tools such as shovels, picks, axes, sledgehammers

  • Use high precision measuring tools such as micrometers, voltmeters, amp meters, recorders

  • Use hand tools such as screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures

  • Use power tools such as drills and power saws

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position's duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Extreme all-weather conditions

  • Walk and perform work on uneven surfaces

  • Safety sensitive work environment

  • Exposure to loud noise and fumes

  • Work on/around heavy/moving machinery

SHIFTS/HOURS

  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)

  • Subject to on-call (24/7), overtime, nights, alternating shifts, weekends, and holidays

TRAVEL

  • Travel to and remain on job sites around designated seniority region, sometimes for extended periods of time

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

  • At least 18 years of age, or will be by the anticipated start date listed above

  • Possess a valid state-issued driver's license or be able to obtain one within 60 days of employment

  • Ability to report for duty at the designated work location

  • Able to work safely in the above working conditions

  • Able to work the above shift/hours

  • Able to meet the above travel requirements

  • Able to read, write and communicate (speak, hear and understand) English

  • Able to lift and carry up to 60 lbs occasionally

  • Able to visually distinguish colors - red, blue, green, yellow, and lunar (clear light)

  • Ability to discriminate and differentiate between verbal and non-verbal sounds (signals, alarms, etc.) in the work environment.

  • Able to use hands and hand tools to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling

  • Occasionally climb ladders; get on/off equipment; climb signal poles to perform installations

  • Bend, walk, stand, sit for extended time

  • Follow safety policies and procedures; wear the required personal protective equipment

TRAINING

  • Successful candidate(s) will participate in a two-year apprenticeship to include on-the-job and classroom training

RELOCATION

  • Assistance not available

UNION

  • Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen

  • Dues required per union agreement

SENIORITY DISTRICT TRANSFERS

  • Per union agreement

  • Seniority-based

  • Require Manager approval

PROBATIONARY PERIOD

  • 90 days

BENEFITS:

BNSF Employees receive a competitive benefit package.
All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION ELEMENTS:
  • Criminal history
  • Last 7 years of driving history
  • Last 5 years of employment history to include military service
  • Social Security number
  • Education

MEDICAL REVIEW ELEMENTS:
  • Medical evaluation
  • Drug Screen
  • Other elements as needed

DRUG TEST ELEMENTS:
BNSF is committed to a safe and drug free work place and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing. All new hires are required to undergo a hair drug test which detects the presence of illegal drugs for months prior to testing. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping BNSF safe and drug free.

Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC): Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. A TWIC is a condition of employment for such positions and requires candidates to those positions to submit to a TSA security assessment (to include, but not limited to,


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