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Railroad Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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$30/hr

Our teams deliver on-site rail switching, material handling and transloading, track construction and maintenance, and locomotive service and repair for customers who depend on safe, reliable rail ...

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Railroad Maintenance information

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$12

$31

$56

How much do railroad maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railroad Maintenance Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Maintenance Worker, you need knowledge of track inspection, repair procedures, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized tools such as track gauges, hydraulic jacks, and safety certifications like FRA compliance are typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help workers identify issues and coordinate repairs efficiently. These skills ensure the safety, reliability, and smooth operation of rail systems.

What are the most common challenges faced in a Railroad Maintenance role, and how are they typically addressed?

Railroad Maintenance professionals often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, addressing unexpected equipment failures, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Teams typically overcome these obstacles through thorough safety training, regular equipment inspections, and effective communication with dispatchers and other crews to coordinate track availability and minimize disruptions. Being adaptable, detail-oriented, and proactive in problem-solving helps ensure safe and efficient rail operations.

What is railroad maintenance?

Railroad maintenance refers to the regular inspection, repair, and upkeep of railroad tracks, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient train operations. This includes tasks like replacing worn rails and ties, maintaining signals and switches, and clearing debris from tracks. Railroad maintenance workers use specialized tools and machinery to perform these duties, often working outdoors and sometimes during overnight hours. Their work is essential for preventing accidents and minimizing service interruptions.

What is the difference between Railroad Maintenance vs Track Inspector?

AspectRailroad MaintenanceTrack Inspector
Primary RolePerforms repairs, repairs, and upkeep of railroad tracks, signals, and infrastructureInspects tracks for defects, safety issues, and compliance with regulations
Required CertificationsOSHA safety training, sometimes certifications in track maintenanceRailroad safety certifications, track inspection training
Work EnvironmentMaintenance yards, trackside, sometimes outdoors in various weather conditionsTrackside, rail yards, often outdoors and in variable weather
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, freight companiesRailroads, transit authorities, safety agencies

Railroad Maintenance workers focus on repairing and maintaining tracks and infrastructure, while Track Inspectors primarily assess track conditions for safety and compliance. Both roles require safety certifications and work outdoors in similar environments, but their core responsibilities differ—maintenance involves hands-on repairs, whereas inspection emphasizes evaluation and reporting.

More about Railroad Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Maintenance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Railroad Maintenance job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Full Time, 91% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job 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!
What You'll Do:
  • Carry and place track materials using standard Railroad maintenance track tools.
  • Install railroad tracks and embankments including special track work, road crossing signage, and rail lubricator.
  • Preform Railroad track maintenance and construction activities to include Changing rail, ties, building track, adjusting switches, etc.
  • Operate picks, shovels, and spike mauls for long periods of time.
  • Operate specialized hydraulic and air railroad power tools.
  • Attend after hour/ weekend callouts to repair damage done to tracks in the event of a derailment.
  • Assist in re-railing train cars.
  • Follow company and federal rules, policies, and procedures - wear required safety equipment, respond to and act on safety concerns.

Thank you for your interest in this position and for taking the time to apply. We appreciate your patience as we review all applications. While we will provide updates as soon as they are available, please note that we may not be able to respond to all applicants individually.