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Railroad Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Charah Solutions Inc.

Rail Equipment Operator

Chester, VA · On-site

$18.54 - $27.75/hr

Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety. * Operate ... Experience operating heavy equipment * Previous work-related skill, knowledge and/or experience ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad maintenance, construction, and project oversight services. Our South Florida operations maintain more ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad maintenance, construction, and project oversight services. Our South Florida operations maintain more ...

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How much do railroad equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad equipment operator in the United States is $22.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.27 and $25.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical workday look like for a Railroad Equipment Operator?

A typical workday for a Railroad Equipment Operator involves inspecting, operating, and maintaining specialized rail machinery such as ballast regulators, tampers, or track excavators. Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may be assigned to rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, or holidays, depending on maintenance schedules. While much of the work is hands-on and physically demanding, there is a strong focus on teamwork and communication with other crew members and supervisors to ensure tasks are completed safely and efficiently. You will also be expected to conduct routine safety checks and document maintenance activities as part of your daily responsibilities.

What is a Railroad Equipment Operator job?

A Railroad Equipment Operator is responsible for operating and maintaining specialized machinery used in railroad construction, maintenance, and repair. They operate equipment such as track maintenance machines, ballast regulators, and rail grinders to ensure tracks remain in safe working condition. Operators must follow safety protocols, adhere to railroad regulations, and perform routine inspections on equipment. This role requires physical stamina, mechanical knowledge, and the ability to work in various weather conditions.

What is a rail equipment operator?

A rail equipment operator is a worker responsible for operating and maintaining railway machinery and equipment, such as locomotives, track switches, and other rail vehicles. They typically need technical skills, safety training, and sometimes certifications to ensure safe and efficient train operations in a rail yard or on the tracks.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives, as well as specialized roles like railroad engineers and safety directors, which require extensive experience and technical skills. These roles often offer higher salaries due to their responsibilities and expertise in operations, safety, and regulatory compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Railroad Equipment Operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Equipment Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, mechanical aptitude, and the ability to follow safety protocols, typically gained through on-the-job training or vocational programs. Familiarity with specialized heavy machinery, track maintenance equipment, and in some cases, possession of relevant operator certifications or a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are often required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help operators coordinate tasks and respond to dynamic work environments. These abilities are essential to ensure both the safe, efficient operation of equipment and effective collaboration with railroad maintenance and operations teams.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad equipment operator can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, safety training, and sometimes certifications. Employers look for candidates with good physical condition, attention to safety protocols, and the ability to work in various weather conditions, which can influence the hiring process's difficulty.

What is the highest paid equipment operator?

Railroad equipment operators, such as those operating track maintenance machines or specialized rail vehicles, tend to earn higher wages compared to other equipment operators due to the specialized skills and safety requirements involved. Experienced operators with certifications and knowledge of complex machinery can earn higher salaries, often exceeding the national average for general equipment operators.
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Railroad Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Railroad Track Maintenance & Heavy Equipment Operator

Road & Rail Services

Butler, PA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 17 days ago

Road & Rail Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Heavy Equipment Operator – Railroad Track Maintenance
Location: Butler, PA
Pay: Negotiable Based on Experience
Job Type: Full-Time
Experience Required

Road & Rail Services is a national leader in rail-related logistics and infrastructure support services. Our Track Maintenance division is built on safety, reliability, accountability, and skilled craftsmanship. We are seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track maintenance operations in the Butler, PA area.

Candidates must have at least 2 years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way (MOW) experience. This role is best suited for individuals who understand the demands of working in active rail environments and who can operate safely while maintaining productivity and attention to detail. We are looking for dependable operators who take pride in their work and value teamwork, safety, and consistency.

Key Responsibilities
Safely operate heavy equipment and rail-support machinery used in track maintenance operations
Assist with tie replacement, track repair, surfacing, and general railroad maintenance activities
Follow FRA regulations, company safety procedures, and job-site expectations at all times
Identify equipment issues, track defects, and safety concerns while working closely with crew members to complete projects efficiently


Required Qualifications
Minimum 2 years of railroad track maintenance or MOW experience
Experience operating heavy equipment in railroad or track environments
Strong safety mindset and dependable work history
Ability to work outdoors in physically demanding conditions and varying weather environments
Ability to work effectively as part of a crew in a fast-paced field environment

Road & Rail Services offers stable full-time employment with competitive pay based on experience and skill level. Employees have opportunities for career advancement, hands-on training, and continued development within the railroad industry. We provide a professional work environment, modern equipment, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).

If you are an experienced railroad equipment operator looking for long-term career stability with a company that values safety, accountability, and quality work, we encourage you to apply today.


This job requires a background check and drug screen.

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