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Railroad Inspector Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA

$115K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring an Inspector to perform a wide variety of field inspection work on a transit capital program covering rail and bus ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA

$115K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring an Inspector to perform a wide variety of field inspection work on a transit capital program covering rail and bus ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$115K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring an Inspector to perform a wide variety of field inspection work on a transit capital program covering rail and bus ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$115K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring an Inspector to perform a wide variety of field inspection work on a transit capital program covering rail and bus ...

Inspector (Transit)

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$115K - $166K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Overview Ramos CS, now a part of Colliers Engineering & Design, is actively hiring an Inspector to perform a wide variety of field inspection work on a transit capital program covering rail and bus ...

Field Inspector

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Arcadis is seeking a motivated and detailoriented Field Inspector to support the delivery of major ... Experience working on transit, rail, or publicsector infrastructure projects. * Ability to work ...

Rail Laborer

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$28.39 - $43.59/hr

Perform snow and ice removal. Assist in the performance of a wide range of maintenance activities including Track inspections, Welding and grinding repairs, tie tamping, Rail replacements/relays ...

Field Inspector - Transit

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Arcadis is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Field Inspector to support the delivery of major ... Experience working on transit, rail, or public-sector infrastructure projects. * Ability to work ...

Field Inspector - Transit

Seattle, WA

$85K - $95K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Arcadis is seeking a motivated and detailoriented Field Inspector to support the delivery of major ... Experience working on transit, rail, or publicsector infrastructure projects. * Ability to work ...

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Showing results 1-20

Railroad Inspector information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$27.9K

$62.5K

$112.7K

How much do railroad inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad inspector in Seattle, WA is $62,521.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,800.00 and $72,300.00 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 job categories do people searching Railroad Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Inspector jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Inspector job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,521 per year, or $30.1 per hour.

Automotive & Rail Commodity Inspector

L F LAMBERT SPAWN CO LLC

Kent, WA โ€ข On-site

$20/hr

Part-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

About the Role

The Automotive, Rail & Intermodal Commodity Inspector is responsible for ensuring the quality, accuracy, and compliance of vehicles, rail equipment, and intermodal containers. This role performs detailed inspections to identify, document, and report damages in accordance with company standards, customer requirements, and industry regulations.

The inspector works closely with operations, ramp personnel, and quality teams to address issues in real time, reduce repeat damages, and improve overall performance. This position plays a key role in maintaining inspection integrity, minimizing first-noted-in-bay exceptions, and supporting safe, efficient transportation operations across all locations.

Minimum Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; technical certification or associate degree preferred
  • Minimum of 1–2 years of inspection, automotive, rail, intermodal, or related field experience
  • Basic knowledge of inspection tools and measurement techniques
  • Ability to read and interpret work instructions, damage codes, and basic technical documents
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in automotive, rail, or intermodal ramp operations
  • Familiarity with industry standards (AAR, OEM, intermodal/container standards, or similar)
  • Experience with root cause analysis and continuous improvement processes
  • Proficiency with inspection software, handheld devices, or reporting systems
  • Strong communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally
Responsibilities
  • Perform accurate inspections of vehicles, rail equipment, and intermodal containers
  • Identify, document, and report damages in accordance with company and customer standards
  • Ensure 100% inspection compliance where required (including on-rail and intermodal operations)
  • Communicate findings clearly to operations, ramp leadership, and quality teams
  • Track and help reduce repeat damages and first-noted exceptions
  • Follow all safety procedures, including rail and intermodal yard protocols
  • Support audits, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts
  • Maintain professionalism, accountability, and consistency in all inspection activities
Skills
  • Strong attention to detail and observational skills
  • Ability to work independently in active rail yard and intermodal environments
  • Effective communication and documentation skills
  • Problem-solving mindset with a focus on root cause and prevention
  • Ability to adapt to changing workloads, weather conditions, and operational demands