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Railroad Crane Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Capital Railroad Services

Crane Operator

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Capital Railroad Services, Inc. (CRS) has been at the forefront of railroad bridge rehabilitation ... Greasing areas of crane (boom) and truck. • Perform scheduled maintenance on crane, truck and ...

Capital Railroad Services

Crane Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

Capital Railroad Services, Inc. (CRS) has been at the forefront of railroad bridge rehabilitation ... Greasing areas of crane (boom) and truck. • Perform scheduled maintenance on crane, truck and ...

Rail Management Services

Crane Operator

Westwego, LA · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

Pay close attention to the duties of a Crane Operator. &feature=youtu.be Pacific Rail Services is looking for full time Lift Operators to join our team at the Union Pacific Avondale, LA Terminal!

US Department of War

Crane Operator

Anniston, AL · On-site

Operate boom crane (Clyde Gantry Crane) mounted on rails between docks to load and unload heavy combat vehicles, industrial equipment, machinery, and general supply materials (some near 75-ton ...

Reliance Inc

Crane Operator 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

Conducts daily crane maintenance inspection at the start of the shift ... Retrieves material from storage to load onto processing equipment, trucks, or rail cars; Unloads ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

... railroad bridges. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Operate assigned heavy equipment (friction crane or hydraulic lattice boom cranes) safely and efficiently to lift and move materials, machinery ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Tampa, FL · On-site

... railroad bridges. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Operate assigned heavy equipment (friction crane or hydraulic lattice boom cranes) safely and efficiently to lift and move materials, machinery ...

Conrad Shipyard

Crane Operator

Morgan City, LA · On-site

Manipulate crane controls to regulate speed, direction, and height of movements according to job ... Uneven surfaces throughout job site, with sand, limestone, concrete, and railways outside, as well ...

Reliance

Crane Operator 2

Nashville, TN · On-site

Crane Operator Operates crane in a safe manner according to safety guidelines and regulations ... Unloads inbound material from trucks and rail cars. Moves heavy materials for warehouseman and ...

Magic Coil Products

Crane Operator

Butler, IN · On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Crane Operator- Operate a 25/35 ton overhead crane to load or unload trucks, rail cars, and feed steel coil to be slit. Benefits include: WEEKLY ATTENDANCE BONUS! EXTRA $1/HR FOR PERFECT ATTENDNACE ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

Brownsville, TX · On-site

Familiarity withmarine or railroad construction terminology. General knowledge and skills in pile driving. Working knowledge of crane operations specifically concerning Occupational Safety and Health ...

Russell Marine LLC

Crane Operator

North Charleston, SC · On-site

Familiarity withmarine or railroad construction terminology. General knowledge and skills in pile driving. Working knowledge of crane operations specifically concerning Occupational Safety and Health ...

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Railroad Crane information

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$14

$28

$40

How much do railroad crane jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad crane in the United States is $28.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $33.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad crane?

A railroad crane is a specialized type of crane designed to travel on railway tracks and perform heavy lifting tasks related to rail transport. These cranes are commonly used for track maintenance, accident recovery, and construction work, such as lifting derailed train cars or installing track components. They are equipped with rail wheels and sometimes outriggers for stability, making them essential for railway operations that require heavy lifting. Operators of railroad cranes need special training to safely maneuver the equipment and work within the unique constraints of the railway environment.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Crane Operator, you need a solid understanding of crane operation, mechanical aptitude, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, along with specialized training or certification in crane operation. Familiarity with railroad safety protocols, hydraulic and diesel systems, and operation of control systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure are important soft skills for this role. These competencies are essential to ensure safe, efficient, and precise handling of heavy materials on active railways.

What are the typical collaboration practices for a railroad crane operator during rail maintenance projects?

Railroad Crane Operators frequently work as part of a coordinated team that includes track maintenance workers, signal technicians, and site supervisors. Effective communication is essential, as operators must follow detailed instructions from ground personnel and signaling staff to ensure safe and precise lifting or placement of heavy rail components. Collaboration often involves daily briefings, shared safety protocols, and clear hand signals or radio communication to synchronize tasks and minimize operational risks. This teamwork ensures that rail repairs or track upgrades are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Railroad Crane vs Tower Crane?

AspectRailroad CraneTower Crane
CredentialsOperator certification, OSHA safety trainingOperator certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentRailroad tracks, construction sites near rail linesConstruction sites, high-rise buildings
Industry UsageRailroad construction, maintenance, and repairHigh-rise construction, large-scale building projects

Railroad cranes and tower cranes both require operator certifications and safety training. Railroad cranes are used primarily for railroad-related construction and maintenance, operating near rail lines. Tower cranes are common in high-rise construction, lifting materials to great heights. While both are essential in heavy lifting, their environments and specific applications differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Crane jobs?

For Railroad Crane jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Crane job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,350 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Rail Terminal Crane Operator

Fairmont City, IL • On-site

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

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

We are hiring Crane Operators immediately to join our team in a recession-proof industry working at the Fairmont City Rail terminal! This is a full-time, permanent position with an essential business. You'll be working for the #1 intermodal rail contractor in the United States! Experience is required. This is a 24/7/365 operation 
Copy and Paste the below YouTube Video to watch what you'll be doing if you join our team! 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uriQMlaUUsI (You can fast forward to the 2:08 mark)

The starting Rate of pay is $18.00
The shift will be discussed during the interview process.
Accept to work some holidays and every weekend.
Benefits: (Medical benefits start after 60 days and the first of the month after that. Other benefits start after your 90-day probationary period).
  • Affordable Healthcare, Free Dental, and cheap Vision Benefits.
  • Free Life Insurance.
  • 6 paid holidays, paid personal days.
  • $100 boot reimbursement.
  • 401K.
  • Yearly Raises.
  • Vacation Pay (received on yearly anniversary).
  • Weekly Pay.

Essential Responsibilities:
  •  Responsible for the daily operation of the overhead or side loader crane, while loading and unloading containers and trailers to railcars. This will include locking and unlocking container chassis, trailer hitches, IBCs, and bolsters.
  • Perform daily pre-inspection to verify the conditions of the tires, oil levels/leaks, hydraulics, lights, flashers, radio, damage, and camera.
  • Ensure all safety equipment is operating properly, including the location and condition of the fire extinguisher.
  • Activate work assignments through the use of the onboard computer system.
  • Be aware of your surroundings when operating loading equipment to ensure all processes are followed to maintain a safe and injury-free work environment.
  • Ability to verify container, chassis, and trailer numbers accurately.
  • Ensure clear communication is met with the Ground Person and/or other personnel.
  • From time to time, provide hosting and ground person activities to complement work conditions and volumes.
  • All other duties as assigned.
Applicants for the Crane Operator position must meet the general requirements for employment with the company, according to the Company hiring process which includes:
  • Railroad Crane Experience is preferred.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License
  • Must be able to pass a 7-year background check, a drug test, and a Physical Capabilities Test.
  • No GED or High School Diploma required

This job would be suitable for persons with prior railroad experience, prior railroad crane experience, and those with crane experience in other fields of work. 
You'll be employed directly by Pacific Rail Services and will not be an employee of the Railroad