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Railroad Inspector Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

TX ยท On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning ...

TX ยท On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning ...

TX ยท On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning ...

Traveling Railroad Carman

Burnet, TX ยท On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Austin, TX Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Traveling ... Inspect railcars for damage, wear, safety concerns, and serviceability * Perform railcar repairs ...

Freight Rail Construction Inspector

Dallas, TX ยท On-site

$97K - $111K/yr

What You'll Do: * Oversee and inspect construction activities related to freight rail ... Ensure work is completed in accordance with contract documents, railroad standards, project ...

TX ยท On-site

$89K/yr

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning ...

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Showing results 1-20

Railroad Inspector information

See Texas salary details

$22.8K

$51.2K

$92.2K

How much do railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad inspector in Texas is $51,184.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,900.00 and $59,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad inspector do?

A Railroad Inspector is responsible for examining railroad equipment, tracks, and operations to ensure compliance with federal and state safety regulations. They inspect locomotives, railcars, signals, and infrastructure, looking for defects or safety hazards. Railroad Inspectors also investigate accidents, enforce safety standards, and may issue citations or recommend corrective actions. Their work helps ensure the safety and reliability of rail transportation for both freight and passengers.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Inspector, you need a comprehensive understanding of railroad operations, safety regulations, and inspection procedures, often supported by technical training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with inspection tools, track geometry measurement systems, and reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safety, reliability, and compliance of rail systems, which are critical for public safety and efficient transportation.

What are common challenges faced by railroad inspectors during field inspections?

Railroad Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating remote or hazardous locations, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Inspections can require close attention to detail to identify wear, defects, or regulatory non-compliance in rail infrastructure and equipment. Additionally, balancing thoroughness with efficiency and collaborating with train crews or maintenance staff to address issues promptly are important aspects of the role. These challenges are essential for ensuring the overall safety and reliability of rail operations.

How to become a railroad inspector?

To become a railroad inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and relevant experience in railroad operations or maintenance. Many positions require passing written exams and physical assessments, and some employers prefer candidates with certifications such as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety certifications or related technical training. On-the-job training is common, and inspectors often work in environments that require attention to safety regulations and technical standards.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Inspector jobs in Texas?

For Railroad Inspector jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Texas are hiring for Railroad Inspector jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Railroad Inspector job openings:

Infographic showing various Railroad Inspector job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,184 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Hazardous Materials) - BIL DIRECT HIRE-SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Port Arthur, TX โ€ข On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

The FRA administers and enforces Federal safety and health laws and regulations that apply to the railroad industry and its ancillary compenents. You will serve as a Railroad Safety Inspector, in an assigned territory, as a mobile worker in the Hazardous Material discipline.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Hazardous Materials), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:ย 

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Communication in writing and orally.
  • Practical knowledge of the typical reactions of different hazardous commodities to various environmental conditions and of safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, leaks, or explosions of these materials.
  • Knowledge of the construction, testing, and retesting of containers used to ship hazardous materials by rail; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal regulations and standards governing the shipment of hazardous materials by rail, including containerization, loading, handling, documentation, and placarding.

In addition to the above requirement, you MUST also have the following Selective Factor:

  • Knowledge applying typical reactions of a wide variety of hazardous materials to various environmental conditions, and safe procedures for containing or controlling fires, explosions, or leaks of the materials.

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience applying federal regulations and standards for purpose of compliance to the inspection of containers and handling documentation procedures of hazardous materials at rail facilties, including inter-modal, shippers/consignee, and tank car manufacturing facilities.
  • Experience analyzing data and conducting inspections to determine probable cause of accidents/incidents pertaining to the transportation of hazardous materials.
  • Experience communicating effectively in a professional setting, including, but not limited to preparing written materials such as correspondence, reports, and presentations; conveying technical or complex information clearly; and tailoring communication style to the audience needs and/organization context.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.
  2. Hazardous Materials- Knowledge of hazardous materials and waste and their uses, interactions, dangers, production, handling, storage, and disposal.ย 
  3. Attention to Detail- Is through when performing work and conscientious about attention to detail.
  4. Planning and Evaluating- Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short-or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  5. Oral Communication- Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
  6. Written Communication- Writes a clear, concise, organized, and convincing manner for the intended audience.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). ย Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. ย You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link: ย https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER