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Railroad Flagger Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Pipelayer

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Magnolia provides flagging/traffic control and confined space training for qualified employees ... Install and erect fencing, guard rails, and asphalt spreaders as needed. * Install concrete thrust ...

Pipelayer

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Magnolia provides flagging/traffic control and confined space training for qualified employees ... Install and erect fencing, guard rails, and asphalt spreaders as needed. * Install concrete thrust ...

Pipelayer

Hyattsville, MD · On-site

$19 - $25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Magnolia provides flagging/traffic control and confined space training for qualified employees ... Install and erect fencing, guard rails, and asphalt spreaders as needed. * Install concrete thrust ...

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Production Operative (Carpenter)

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... din rail terminals, sensors, lighting boards and RCD/MCB arrangements. 5. To prepare units for ... flagging any defects or non-conformances. 8. To maintain a right-first-time approach, taking care ...

Be Seen First

Production Operative (Carpenter)

Elkridge, MD · On-site

$21.50 - $29.25/hr

... din rail terminals, sensors, lighting boards and RCD/MCB arrangements. 5. To prepare units for ... flagging any defects or non-conformances. 8. To maintain a right-first-time approach, taking care ...

Senior Construction Inspector

Herndon, VA · On-site

$60 - $68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... flagger certification, DEQ Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection and DEQ Stormwater. * Other ... Structural Class 1 Rail construction/inspection experience WSP Benefits: WSP provides a ...

Senior Construction Inspector

Herndon, VA · On-site

$60 - $68/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... flagger certification, DEQ Erosion & Sediment Control Inspection and DEQ Stormwater. * Other ... Structural Class 1 Rail construction/inspection experience WSP Benefits: WSP provides a ...

CDL Driver

Chantilly, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Travels in rail yards and unloads poles off of rail cars. CDL Trainees * Must complete on-site or ... Pole Drivers must be very familiar with State regulations for over size load permits, flagging, and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Railroad Flagger information

See Washington salary details

$10

$19

$26

How much do railroad flagger jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad flagger in Washington is $19.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad flagger?

Railroad Flaggers are workers responsible for ensuring the safety of crews, vehicles, and pedestrians near active railroad tracks, especially during construction or maintenance. They use flags, signals, and other communication tools to alert people of approaching trains and to coordinate safe crossings. Their primary role is to prevent accidents and ensure that railroad operations and nearby activities can proceed without incident. Railroad Flaggers often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and must remain vigilant at all times. They typically receive specialized training in railroad safety and signaling procedures.

What does a railroad flagger do?

As a railroad flagger, sometimes known as a railroad flagman, you ensure the safety of crews working on or near a railroad track. During construction, repair, or maintenance projects, you stand near the railroad and signal the train operators to slow down or stop. Your exact duties vary depending on the railroad company you work for. In most positions, your responsibilities focus on working to protect construction and maintenance personnel by making sure the track is clear. You may hold a flag, activate a light or sign, or have radio contact with the train operator. You also contact special work crews by radio to obtain an all-clear signal.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Flagger, you need a solid understanding of railroad safety procedures, situational awareness, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railway signaling equipment, two-way radios, and sometimes OSHA or railroad safety certifications is expected. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe movement of trains and track workers, preventing accidents and maintaining operational efficiency.

What are some typical challenges a railroad flagger faces on the job, and how can they be managed?

Railroad Flaggers often work in dynamic environments where safety is paramount and conditions can change quickly due to weather, train schedules, or construction activities. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication with train operators and construction crews to ensure everyone is aware of track closures and safe zones. Managing fatigue during long shifts and staying alert around moving trains requires strong attention to detail and consistent adherence to safety protocols. Building teamwork and situational awareness helps Railroad Flaggers succeed and ensures smooth coordination with other crew members.

What is the difference between Railroad Flagger vs Track Inspector?

AspectRailroad FlaggerTrack Inspector
CertificationsFlagger certification, OSHA safety trainingTrack safety certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, active rail linesRail yards, track inspection sites
Job FocusDirecting train movements, safety signalingInspecting track conditions, identifying hazards
Employer & IndustryRailroad companies, construction contractorsRailroad companies, maintenance firms

Railroad Flagger and Track Inspector roles both require safety certifications and work in rail environments. Flagger focus on directing train movements during construction, while Track Inspectors assess track conditions for safety. Both roles are essential for rail safety but differ in daily tasks and responsibilities.

How to be a railroad flagger?

To become a railroad flagger, you typically need to complete a flagger training course approved by the relevant transportation authority, which covers safety procedures and signaling protocols. A valid driver's license and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important; some positions require certification and physical fitness testing. On-the-job training is common, and flaggers must follow strict safety guidelines to prevent accidents around railway tracks.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Flagger jobs in Washington?

For Railroad Flagger jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Flagger jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Flagger jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Flagger job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,734 per year, or $19.6 per hour.

$25 - $37/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC)
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time and Part-Time
FLSA Status: Hourly; Non-Exempt
Reports To: District Manager
Travel: Yes, travel is expected for this position (50% - 85% on average).
Compensation: $25 to $37 based on skills and experience.

Company Profile:
National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is a certified DBE/WBE firm primarily focused on providing safety services to the railroad industry. NRSS is the most trusted name in the railroad industry for providing qualified field safety staff and safety training. To best serve the railroad industry, NRSS provides all of these services in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico. NRSS has the proven ability and the proven safety record to handle any project. Find the safety you have been missing today!
Job Description:
National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is seeking a Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) to support railroad flagging services for Class 1 Railroads, Regional Short Lines, Transit Systems, State DOT's, as well as Railroad Suppliers, Contractors, and Consultants alike.
Required Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent.

Required Experience:
Minimum 2 years of experience with a Class 1 Railroad, Regional Short Line, Transit System, State DOT Rail Division, Railroad Supplier, Railroad Contractor, and/or Railroad Consultant; preferably within the Maintenance Of Way (MOW) Department.

Job Requirements:

  • Proficient computer skills in Android OS; on tablet & smart phone.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • High level of accuracy and attention to detail; well organized.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain strong client relationships.
  • Ability to travel for extended periods of time; sometimes month(s) at a time.
  • Ability to successfully complete Federal, Client, and/or Company Specific Training.

Job Duties:

  • Provide jobsite coordination.
  • Provide clear and concise communication with Dispatchers, Train Crews, other Railroad Personnel, and/or Contractor personnel.
  • Provide clear, concise, and thorough job briefings with all personnel on each job site.
  • Enforce all Railroad, State, and Federal Policies.
  • Submit daily field reports detailing Contractor and/or Railroad activities.
  • Provide On-Track Safety in accordance with 49 CFR 214 Federal Regulations for Class 1 Railroads, Regional Short Lines, Transit Systems, State DOT Rail Divisions, Railroad Suppliers, Railroad Contractors, and/or Railroad Consultants.

Work Environment:
This job operates in a field environment.

Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

  • Must be able to hear, speak, read, and write clearly in English.
  • Must be able to drive long distances and/or travel by other modes as necessary.
  • Must be able to stand for long periods of time and/or walk on level/uneven ground.
  • Must be able to tolerate extreme heat/cold temperatures.
  • Must be able to tolerate dusty/noisy conditions.
  • Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Benefits:

  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
  • Short Term, Long Term Disability Insurance
  • Paid Vacation and Holidays
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan

Keywords:
Assistant Division Engineer (ADE), Assistant General Manager (AGM), Assistant Roadmaster, Bridge Inspector, Bridge Manager, Bridge Maintainer, Bridge Supervisor, Division Engineer (DE), Employee In Charge (EIC), Flagger, Flagging, Flagman, Flagmen, Foreman, Foremen, Maintenance Of Way (MOW), Manager Track Maintenance (MTM), Manager Track Projects (MTP), Rail, Railroad, Railroad Project Manager, Railway, Railway Project Manager, Roadmaster, Roadway Worker, Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC), Roadway Worker Protection (RWP), Safety, Signal Inspector, Signal Maintainer, Signal Manager, Signal Supervisor, Track Inspector, Track Maintainer, Track Manager, Track Supervisor.
Safety Commitment:
All employees of all levels are to remain committed to safety at all times while employed at National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS). As such, no job is so important and no service is so urgent that we may not take time to perform all work safely. Simply put, safety is our way of life. By placing safety first, we not only ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities, but we hold true our commitment to being the leader in safety throughout the Railroad Industry.
Closing Statement:
National Railroad Safety Services, Inc. (NRSS) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Any candidate selected for this position must be able to successfully pass pre-employment/recurrent background checks, drug/alcohol testing, and classroom training.