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Railroad Equipment Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qualdoc

CDL Equipment Operator (Re-Rail)

Candor, NC · On-site

$26/hr

Candor, NC Job Type: Full-Time Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience Position Overview We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad ...

Qualdoc

CDL Equipment Operator (Re-Rail)

Candor, NC · On-site

$26/hr

Candor, NC Job Type: Full-Time Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience Position Overview We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad ...

Qualdoc

CDL Equipment Operator (Re-Rail)

Candor, NC · On-site

$26/hr

Candor, NC Job Type: Full-Time Starting Pay: $26.00/hour, with higher pay available depending on experience Position Overview We are seeking a Class A CDL Equipment Operator to support railroad ...

Container Solutions

Equipment Operator

Harvey, IL · On-site

$22 - $36/hr

... Equipment Operator to join our team. This position is ideal for an experienced operator who is ... Our operations involve rail terminals, transloading facilities, freight handling, and remote ...

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 ...

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 ...

Marmon

Tamper Operator - Railway Maintenance

Concord, NC

$19 - $25.25/hr

The operator must be familiar with railway maintenance standards and safety protocols. Railserve ... Adjust and calibrate tamping equipment for specific rail conditions and tolerances. * Read and ...

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How much do railroad equipment operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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 is a railroad equipment operator?

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 does a railroad equipment operator do?

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

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.

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Railroad Equipment Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Equipment Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,279 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Nationwide Travel

Frankfort, KY • On-site

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

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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

Home Base: Frankfort, Kentucky
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Travel: 100% Nationwide Travel
Job Type: Full-Time

Take Your Heavy Equipment Experience Nationwide

Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator to support railroad track construction and maintenance projects throughout the United States. Although this position is based out of Frankfort, Kentucky, it requires continuous nationwide travel.

This is not a local or home-daily opportunity. The Heavy Equipment Operator will travel between project locations and should expect to remain away from home for extended periods. This position is ideal for an experienced railroad professional who enjoys working outdoors, operating large equipment, and contributing to the safety and reliability of railroad infrastructure.

The Heavy Equipment Operator will work alongside track maintenance crews in active railroad environments. Success requires strong equipment operating skills, Maintenance of Way experience, dependable attendance, and an unwavering commitment to safety.

Heavy Equipment Operator Responsibilities

In this position, you will:

Operate backhoes, excavators, loaders, and other heavy construction equipment

Operate tampers, regulators, and rail-specific machinery when qualified

Support railroad track installation, maintenance, and repair projects

Remove and replace railroad ties, rail components, and track materials

Assist with track surfacing, alignment, grading, and stabilization

Identify track defects, equipment concerns, and unsafe job-site conditions

Inspect heavy equipment before use and report maintenance or repair needs

Load, unload, move, and organize project materials

Work near active tracks, moving equipment, and other railroad operations

Coordinate with supervisors and crew members to complete assignments

Follow company, customer, and Federal Railroad Administration safety requirements

Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work area

Required Qualifications

Qualified candidates must have:

At least two years of railroad track maintenance or Maintenance of Way experience

Previous experience working as a Heavy Equipment Operator

Experience operating equipment in a railroad, track, or industrial construction environment

Knowledge of railroad job-site safety and FRA requirements

A valid state-issued driver's license

The ability and willingness to travel 100% nationwide

The flexibility to remain away from home for extended assignments

The ability to work outdoors in heat, cold, rain, and changing weather

The physical ability to lift, bend, climb, stand, walk, and work on uneven surfaces

Strong communication, teamwork, and job-site awareness

Experience operating tampers, regulators, or other specialized railroad equipment is preferred. Previous employment with a Class I, short-line railroad, railroad contractor, or track construction company is also valuable.

Travel and Work Conditions

This is a 100% travel position based out of Frankfort, Kentucky. Projects may be located in multiple states, and schedules will vary according to customer and operational needs. Employees must be prepared to travel continuously and work in physically demanding outdoor railroad environments.

Benefits

Road & Rail Services offers eligible full-time employees:

Pay of $25.00 per hour

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with company matching

Paid holidays and vacation

Annual steel-toe boot allowance

Company-provided personal protective equipment

Training and professional skill development

Advancement opportunities

A veteran-friendly workplace

A promote-from-within culture

If you are an experienced Heavy Equipment Operator with railroad track maintenance knowledge and are prepared for 100% nationwide travel, apply today.

Road & Rail Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

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