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Railroad Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Arcwood Environmental, LLC

Rail Driver

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Essential Functions & Responsibilities Rail Driver As a Rail Driver you are responsible for supporting special projects and core business operations. You will be driving and operating semi-vans, roll ...

Rail Management Services

Railroad Laborer

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Applicants for the Railroad Auto Unloader position must meet the general requirements for ... Possess a valid Driver's License. * Must be able to pass a 7-year background check and a drug test.

Rail Management Services

Railroad Laborer

Waverly, VA · On-site

$17/hr

Applicants for the Railroad Auto Unloader position must meet the general requirements for ... Possess a valid Driver's License. * Must be able to pass a 7-year background check and a drug test.

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Railroad Driver information

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How much do railroad driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad driver in the United States is $16.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Railroad Drivers?

Railroad Drivers, also known as train operators or locomotive engineers, are responsible for operating trains that transport passengers or freight. They ensure trains run safely, adhere to schedules, and follow all safety regulations. Their duties include inspecting locomotives, monitoring instruments, communicating with dispatchers, and responding to emergencies or track obstructions. Railroad Drivers must complete specialized training and obtain proper certification before operating trains. This role requires attention to detail, quick decision-making, and a strong understanding of railway systems.

What is the difference between Railroad Driver vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectRailroad DriverLocomotive Engineer
CredentialsCommercial Driver's License (CDL)Federal and state certifications, often including a locomotive engineer license
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, and freight terminalsLocomotive cabs, rail yards, and on-track routes
Industry UsageFreight and passenger rail companiesRailroads, freight, and passenger services

Railroad Drivers and Locomotive Engineers both operate trains and require relevant certifications. While Railroad Drivers typically hold a CDL and work mainly in yards and terminals, Locomotive Engineers operate trains on mainlines with specialized licenses. Both roles are essential in rail transportation, but their certifications and work environments differ slightly.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railroad Driver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Driver, you need comprehensive knowledge of rail operations, safety protocols, and typically a high school diploma along with formal railroad engineer certification. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and federal safety regulations is essential. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient train operation, compliance with regulations, and effective response to emergencies or unexpected situations.

What are some typical challenges faced by Railroad Drivers, and how can they prepare for them?

Railroad Drivers often encounter challenges such as variable weather conditions, unexpected track obstructions, and strict adherence to schedules and safety protocols. To prepare, drivers undergo rigorous training to handle emergency situations, maintain communication with dispatchers, and stay updated on route changes. Building strong situational awareness and stress management skills is also important, as shifts can be long and require sustained focus. Collaboration with conductors and maintenance crews is essential for ensuring safe and efficient operations.
More about Railroad Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Driver jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Driver job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Driver jobs are:
Railroad Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,064 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Railroad Roadmaster

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

Ventura, CA

$66K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

This position will be responsible for overseeing and managing the inspection and maintenance of rail corridors and associated facilities to include working on track, right-of-way, rail stations, platforms, and facilities for our railroad on the Santa Paula Branch Line in Ventura County, CA. This position will be overseeing a section crew of 4-5 employees, making sure that any required repairs and work along the railroad right of way are taken care of in a timely manner. This position will also be expected to conduct track inspections as needed at the required frequencies based on the classification of track. This is a salaried supervisor position that will be expected to work 40 -5o hours a week with occasional out of town travel as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Conducts self in an appropriate manner as a representative of our railroad, working effectively in a diverse work environment using prudent judgment at all times, performing duties in a safe manner.
  • Knows and understands the requirements set forth in CFR Title 49, Part 213 and their application to ensuring that the right of way stays within Federal standards.
  • Supervise a section crew of Maintenance of Way Laborers/Operators.
  • Know, understand, and set up safety precautions for the protection of roadway workers and contractors while working on or adjacent to right of way.
  • Know and understand track warrants, their use and be able to obtain them from the Dispatcher for the protection of roadway workers
  • Loads and unloads heavy materials, obtains necessary material and equipment, and removes debris and maintains a clean, safe work site.
  • Assist in removing and installing railroad ties, rails, turnouts, track fastenings, and track switches, ensuring the safe and proper operation of all vehicles, material, and equipment.
  • Lubricates track and track switches, remove and tightens bolts, assists in track surfacing, alignment, gauging, jacking, and tamping and performs other related maintenance of way duties as directed.
  • Assists other employees as assigned in the maintenance, handling, and repair of rail shop equipment, stations, platforms in a safe and proper manner.
  • Assists in re-railing operations and operates various rail equipment and other service vehicles; uses air, electric, and hydraulic power tools and equipment utilized in the performance of maintenance of way duties.
  • Performs various physical duties in a maintenance environment, which includes, but is not limited to, working with dust, dirt, gravel, fumes, exhaust, various noise levels, chemicals, in confined spaces, and in various, sometimes extreme, outdoor weather conditions and temperatures as required.
  • Other duties as required.
Qualifications
  • At least 3 years of track experience with a track inspectors' certification.
  • Valid California driver's license with a clean Motor Vehicle record.
  • Computer skills, primarily Microsoft Office and Power point. 
  • Prior experience in a safety sensitive position/ job.
  • Prior knowledge, training, and certification in railroad operating rules preferred but not required.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Class A Commercial Driver License preferred but not required.
Working Conditions

This job requires work outdoors in all weather conditions with occasional office work in doors. Proper use of PPE equipment is required depending on job activities. This job may also require weekend work with occasional travel out of town.

Physical Requirements
  • Capable of conducting 40+ hours of work a week.
  • Physically capable to traverse in and around the office complex and anywhere else on railroad property.
  • Be able to climb up and down railroad equipment.
  • Must be able to bend, stoop, reach, twist, climb and work at heights up to 20 feet, access confined areas, push/pull up to 125 pounds, lift/carry up to 80 pounds, and horizontally move equipment weighing up to 90 pounds.
  • The position will be subject to DOT/FRA pre-employment and random drug and alcohol testing.
$66,000 - $85,000 a year

Medical, Dental, Hearing & Vision are 100% covered by the company for the employee plus a significant other.

This position comes with railroad retirement.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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