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Railroad Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Track

Railroad Trackman

Vancouver, WA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The position starts as a Trackman, with an opportunity to qualify as a Machine Operator once the ... Install railroad tracks and embankments including special track work, road crossing signage, and ...

Rail Management Services

Truck Mechanic - Railroad

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$28 - $30/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pacific Rail Services is hiring immediately for a Rail Terminal Truck Mechanic (Diesel) to join our ... Drug screening ( as we operate heavy machinery, Marijuana is strictly prohibited). * Required to ...

Progress Rail Services

Railroad Track Assemblers

Reading, PA · On-site

$200 - $500/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation--driving the future of rail with ... Qualifications and Experience: • Prior machine or grinder experience preferred; • Ability to ...

Marmon

Tamper Operator - Railway Maintenance

Concord, NC · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Tamper Operator is responsible for operating railway tamping machines used to align and compact the ballast under railway tracks, ensuring a smooth and stable rail surface. This role is vital in ...

Canadian National Railway

Rail Track Maintainer

Baudette, MN · On-site

$34.84/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Ensure railroad right-of-way is clear of brush, vegetation, snow and litter. * Ensure a safe ... Experience operating heavy equipment and machinery. * High School Diploma, General Education ...

Amsted Manufacturing USA

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

Amsted Manufacturing USA

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

American Track

Welder (Railroad)

Mulberry, FL · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Perform grinding tasks using power and hand tools. * Assist crews on job sites in other rail related repairs such as changing out rails, changing crossties, etc. including labor or machine operating.

Atlantic Track & Turnout Company

CNC Machinist II

Memphis, TN · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We're currently seeking a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machinist II to support our growing ... A Railroad Manufacturing and Supply Company: We're your single-source solution for Class I and ...

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Railroad Machinist information

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How much do railroad machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad machinist in the United States is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges railroad machinists face when maintaining locomotives in the field?

Railroad Machinists often encounter challenges such as working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, handling heavy and complex locomotive components, and adhering to tight maintenance schedules to minimize train downtime. Additionally, they must remain vigilant about safety protocols due to the potentially hazardous nature of rail yards and equipment. Effective teamwork and communication with engineers, conductors, and other maintenance staff are essential for diagnosing issues quickly and ensuring repairs meet industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad machinist?

To thrive as a Railroad Machinist, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience in machine tool operation, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, welding equipment, and computer-aided maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient repair and maintenance of locomotives and rail equipment, which are critical for reliable railroad operations.

What is a railroad machinist?

Railroad Machinists are skilled tradespeople responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling the mechanical components of trains, such as diesel engines, brakes, and other locomotive systems. They use a variety of tools and machines to inspect, troubleshoot, and ensure that locomotives and rail cars operate safely and efficiently. Their work is vital for keeping rail transportation reliable and minimizing downtime due to mechanical failures.

What is the difference between Railroad Machinist vs Railroad Car Repairer?

AspectRailroad MachinistRailroad Car Repairer
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in machining and safetyTechnical training, certifications in welding, carpentry, and safety
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, maintenance yards, on-site repair facilitiesRailroad yards, repair shops, on-site at rail facilities
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transportation companies, maintenance contractorsRailroads, freight companies, maintenance depots

Railroad Machinists focus on operating and maintaining machining tools to repair and fabricate parts for trains and equipment, often working in machine shops. Railroad Car Repairers specialize in repairing and maintaining entire railcars, including structural repairs and systems, typically working in repair yards. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications but differ in their specific tasks and work environments.

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Railroad Machinist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Machinist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,183 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Railroad Trackman

American Track

Vancouver, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Description
Build your career with an innovative and sustainable railroad maintenance and construction team at American Track! Our company is rapidly growing, and we have plenty of opportunities available for accelerated advancement. Are you new to the industry? No worries. We provide position-specific training for all field and office work. We believe that having happy and healthy employees is key to our success, and we offer a wide range of competitive benefits to help our team manage their physical and financial wellness. If you're looking to grow in a hands-on and collaborative environment with one of the most experienced companies in the industry, we'd love to hear from you. Start your adventure building America’s infrastructure today!
The Railroad Trackman works as a crew member to maintain, repair, and replace rails, ties, switches, and ballast while using hand tools and operating heavy equipment. The position starts as a Trackman, with an opportunity to qualify as a Machine Operator once the necessary skills have been mastered. The Trackman usually reports to work daily at 6 a.m. and must be available to work full-time (40 hrs/week) subject to overtime, on-call (24/7), alternating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays. 
THERE WILL BE SOME TRAVEL!  If we travel it will usually be 4/10s with three days off)
What You'll Do:
  • Carry and place track materials using tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs rail forks, lining bars, shovels, and jacks.
  • Install railroad tracks and embankments including special track work, road crossing signage, and rail lubricator.
  • Repair, install, and replace signs on railroad crossings.
  • Align and slide track tie plates and cut rails to specified lengths.
  • Perform handle drilling activities for insertion of bolts or joints.
  • Align and gauge deviations in track surfaces in order to ensure train safety.
  • Remove brush and other vegetation from between rails.
  • Perform lubrication activities on joints, angle bars, and switches.
  • Complete authorized repairs and document outcomes of all repair activities
  • Lay and fix foundations for tracks, replace worn out or rough rail ends, rebuild roadbeds, and lay new rail sections.
  • Operate picks, shovels, bulldozers, and spike mauls for long periods of time (sometimes all day), as well as specialized hydraulic railroad power tools.
  • Attend callouts to repair damage done to tracks in the event of a derailment.
  • Right derailed rolling stock and assist in lubricating wheel bearings.
  • Follow company and federal rules, policies, and procedures – wear required safety equipment, respond to and act on safety concerns.
Why You'll Love Working for Us:
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Coverage
  • PTO and Holidays
  • Basic Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
  • Short Term Disability Insurance
  • 401K
Requirements
What We Need from You:
  • Must be 18 years of age or older.
  • Must pass all required assessments/trainings and be willing to submit to a background check, pre-employment drug screen, and random drug tests..
  • High School diploma (or equivalent) and previous experience in the railroad or other heavy construction or maintenance industry is preferred, but not required
  • Willing and able to travel to various job sites, including those that require overnight stay and short notice mobilization, and work in all weather conditions (extreme hot, cold, rain, snow, sleet, etc.)
  • Understand and follow verbal/visual communications; respond to audible and visual signals and warnings; recognize, avoid, and report potential hazards.
  • Interact effectively as a team member and be capable of working unsupervised at times.
  • Physical ability to stand; walk; sit; use hands; talk or hear; climb stairs and/or ladders; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; lift and/or move up to 100 pounds; ability to use close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjust focus.

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