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Railroad Apprentice Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Buckeye CPA

Apprentice Terminal Operator

Columbus, OH · On-site

Buckeye Partners is currently seeking an Apprentice Terminal Operator with 2+ years' related ... Learn the overall operation and maintenance of the terminal, pipeline, marine, and rail assets as ...

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All JobsRailroad Apprentice JobsRailroad Apprentice Jobs in Ohio

Railroad Apprentice information

See Ohio salary details

$11

$20

$35

How much do railroad apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad apprentice in Ohio is $20.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.44 and $22.84 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 Ohio? The most popular types of Railroad jobs in Ohio are:
What are popular job titles related to Railroad Apprentice jobs in Ohio? For Railroad Apprentice jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Apprentice jobs in Ohio look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Apprentice jobs in Ohio are:
What cities in Ohio are hiring for Railroad Apprentice jobs? Cities in Ohio with the most Railroad Apprentice job openings:
Railroad Apprentice jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Apprentice job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,547 per year, or $20.9 per hour.

Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

Veteran Jobs - 2023 Mar 01 - Veterans Resources

Bellevue, OH • On-site

$37.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Job description


 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH)
Date: Jul 14, 2026
Location: Bellevue, OH, US, 44811
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
Requisition 39957: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH) 
Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216
Primary Purpose:
Apprentice Signal Trainees will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer satisfaction while achieving the safest most efficient railroad operations.
Principal Duties:
Signal Workers are primarily responsible for performing FRA regulatory test and inspections of the signals systems and crossings.
Install, repair, and maintain, test and inspect various equipment such as signals lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, as well as crossing warning devices as well as the maintenance and repair of automated classification yards.
Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal and interlocking systems.
Other general duties include cable locates, painting and housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
Use of a wide variety of hand tools, on track high-rail equipment, and test instruments
Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, installing equipment, etc.
This role requires travel and on-call availability including weekends.
Apprentice Signal Trainee Training Program
Successful applicants will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in-class theory and lab work with hands-on skill development in the field.
Week 1-3: Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)
Week 4-16: OJT Signal Construction Gang
Week 11-19: Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)
Weeks 20-40: OJT Signal Maintenance Training
Week 41-43: Signal Training-3 (McDonough, GA)
Weeks 44-52: Additional OJT training
The in-class portion of the training program consists of three sessions that are three weeks long each. These sessions are in McDonough, GA and are mandatory.
Apprentices will be required to pass a series of periodic tests relating to duties, responsibilities, and operating rules. In the circumstance that an apprentice fails any of the periodic testing, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.
Apprentices that successfully complete the training will then be placed on the seniority district roster hired and is eligible to bid on Signalman or Signal Maintainer roles.
Eastern Region North (ERN)
Norfolk & Western (NW)
Southern Lines East (SLE)
Southern Lines West (SLW)
WRE (Western Region East (WRE)
Western Region West (WRW)
Probation period is 90 days in which you must secure a Class A CDL.
Rate of Pay
Initial 3 weeks at the Norfolk Southern Training Center - Compensation is $1,200.00 per week. 
First Period (through day 130) - Compensation is $36.48 per hour.
Second period (next 130 days) - Compensation is $36.85 per hour.
After completion of these 275 days, new hires will receive 100%, which is $37.98 per hour.
Medical Benefits
Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
Union Benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - BRS) available after mark-up from Trainee status.
Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
$20K Life Insurance
401 (K) First Day of Employment
After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision
Job Related Experience:
Minimum Level:  1-2 years
Preferred Level:  3-5 years
Education:
Required: High School diploma or GED
Preferred Level:  Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)
Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer
Licenses / Certifications:
Required: CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)
Required:  None listed
Preferred:  None listed
Skills and Abilities:
Time Management
Prioritizing Work Demands
Communication Skills
Multi-tasking
Planning and Organizing
MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing
Career Path:
Predecessor Jobs: None
Future Jobs: Supervisor C&S
Environment: Outdoor/Field
Shift Work:  No
On-Call:  Yes
Weekend Work:  Yes
Travel Required:  Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)
Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216
BRS Seniority District and Bidding Overview video

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