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Railroad Apprenticeship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conductor

Dallas, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

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.

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Railroad Apprenticeship information

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How much do railroad apprenticeship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad apprenticeship in the United States is $20.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $21.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad apprenticeship?

A Railroad Apprenticeship is a hands-on training program that prepares individuals for a career in the railroad industry. It combines classroom instruction with on-the-job training to teach skills such as track maintenance, train operations, and safety procedures. Apprentices usually work under experienced professionals while earning a wage and gaining industry certifications. These programs can last from several months to a few years, depending on the position and railroad company.

What does a railroad apprentice do?

As a Railroad Apprentice, you'll spend much of your day learning job-specific skills under the guidance of experienced mentors, performing tasks like inspecting and maintaining tracks, operating specialized equipment, and following strict safety protocols. This role often involves working outdoors in different weather conditions and requires flexibility for shifts that may include nights, weekends, or holidays. You'll work closely with a team and gradually take on more responsibilities as you gain experience. Over time, apprenticeships provide a pathway to advancement into specialized or supervisory positions in the railroad industry.

What skills and qualifications are needed for a railroad apprenticeship?

To thrive as a Railroad Apprenticeship, you need a solid understanding of mechanical skills, basic mathematics, physical fitness, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as rail grinders, track inspection devices, and occasionally required certifications like OSHA safety training are important. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and eagerness to learn are valuable soft skills for this position. These abilities are essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and successful completion of hands-on training in a demanding environment.

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What cities are hiring for Railroad Apprenticeship jobs?

Cities with the most Railroad Apprenticeship job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad Apprenticeship jobs?

The most popular types of Railroad Apprenticeship jobs are:

What states have the most Railroad Apprenticeship jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railroad Apprenticeship jobs include:

Infographic showing various Railroad Apprenticeship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,999 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Chief Mechanical Officer - Owosso, MI

Watco

Owosso, MI

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The Chief Mechanical Officer (forthwith called the CMO), reports directly to the General Manager of the Railroad and is responsible for daily reports, parts inventory and ordering, locomotive maintenance, scheduling, compliance with company policies and procedures, governmental regulations and working within a planned budget. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

•Implementation of and compliance with the company safety plan, including drug and alcohol 
•Coordinate daily locomotive needs with the dispatcher or local management
•Inspect, test, and maintain locomotives and its components according to FRA guidelines and compile records to comply with FRA and company rules and regulations
•Maintain a reliable inventory of material for the proper maintenance of locomotives 
•Possess working knowledge of the proper use of various wear limit gauges and testing equipment 
•Possess the ability to complete written forms and reports as well as necessary Federal Railroad Administration reports pertaining to CMO position responsibilities
•Must become familiar with state and federal regulations as it relates to the railroad industry
•Able to perform emergency repairs and re-railing of railroad rolling stock
•Able to solve practical problems where only limited standardization exists. Able to interpret and delegate instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form
•Must have a working knowledge of and be familiar with various types of tools and equipment such as, but not limited to, welders, torches, hammers, jacks, and various types of other mechanical, air, and hand tools pertaining to the construction and maintenance of rolling stock
•Develop the skills of subordinate team member(s) to assure highly qualified successors are in place
•Accountable for the preparation and administration of performance appraisals for direct reporting team members •Review and approve all performance appraisals prepared and administered by subordinates

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be able to pass and/or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position and location. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

•Must have completed a three-year Railroad Apprenticeship or equivalent related railroad experience, or experience in some other mechanical field and have working knowledge of FRA, AAR and OSHA regulations as it pertains to locomotives and repair facilities
•Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or Team Members
•Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry
•Must possess valid driver’s license and be insurable by company insurance provider to drive and operate company vehicles and equipment as necessary
•Must have or must be able to obtain a Class B CDL driver’s license
•Must have the ability to become a qualified Service Engineer according to Federal Railroad Administration regulations and may be required to perform electrical duties

Education
Must be 18years of age or older
High School or GED equivalent

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