ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Railroad Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: * Railroad industry, including economic and ...

Department of Transportation

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: * Railroad industry, including economic and ...

Department of Transportation

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: * Railroad industry, including economic and ...

Department of Transportation

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Track), the Qualifications Standard states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas: * Railroad industry, including economic and ...

Road & Rail Services

Railroad Mechanic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... Road & Rail Services is hiring a dependable and safety-focused Railcar Mechanic in Wausau ... You will inspect railcars, identify maintenance needs, and perform authorized mechanical repairs.

Road & Rail Services

Railroad Mechanic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

... Road & Rail Services is hiring a dependable and safety-focused Railcar Mechanic in Wausau ... You will inspect railcars, identify maintenance needs, and perform authorized mechanical repairs.

Sperry Rail Service

CDL Driver (CPKC)

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$21.60/hr

The CDL Driver operates specialized rail inspection vehicles, supports testing operations, and ensures compliance with all DOT and safety regulations. Key Responsibilities Travel & Work Environment

CDL Electric

Railroad Signal Technician

Stoughton, WI · On-site

Railroad Signal Maintainer in the Madison, WI area Incentives Include: * Company vehicle, laptop ... Testing & Inspections * Trouble Calls & Troubleshooting * Team Player Preferred Experiences:

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRailroad Inspector JobsRailroad Inspector Jobs in Wisconsin

Railroad Inspector information

See Wisconsin salary details

$24.7K

$55.5K

$99.9K

How much do railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad inspector in Wisconsin is $55,453.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,900.00 and $64,100.00 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 Wisconsin?

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

What job categories do people searching Railroad Inspector jobs in Wisconsin look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Inspector jobs in Wisconsin are:

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Railroad Inspector jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Railroad Inspector job openings:

Railroad Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Inspector job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,453 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

WI • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

The position(s) are located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Track and Structures Division. The Track and Structures Division is responsible for executing and administering the track and structures safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevants to railroad track, track configuration, track components, rail integrity, bridge and structures, and railroad workplace safety.

PLEASE NOTE: This vacancy has been amended to add additional locations. 

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience requirements.

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

  • 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.
  • Skill in written an oral communication.
  • Knowledge of railroad track system construction, maintenance, testing, or inspection techniques;
  • Knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of various track system configurations; AND
  • Knowledge of Federal railroad track safety standards.

For the GS-12, to qualify, your experience should include all of the above plus at least one year of specialize experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11, which includes the following:

  • Experience applying Federal Railroad track safety standards/regulations for the purpose of inspecting and identifying track safety deficiencies.
  • Experience ensuring railroad compliance with federal regulations by auditing railroad inspections activities, conducting inspections, assessing safety complaints, and performing accident investigations.
  • Experience producing electronic and automated track inspection and violation reports that describe defective track conditions, narrative accident / incident reports and present safety related information to railroad managers, and federal and state stakeholders.

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. Planning and Evaluating - Organize work, sets priorities, and determine resource requirements; determine short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinate with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  3. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
  4. Oral Communication - Make clear and convincing oral presentations. Listen effectively; clarify information as needed.
  5. Written Communication - Write in 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).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  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:  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

Apply