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Railroad Maintenance Jobs in Springfield, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Railroad Maintenance information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$12

$31

$55

How much do railroad maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad maintenance in Springfield, IL is $31.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.88 and $37.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

What job categories do people searching Railroad Maintenance jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Maintenance jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Railroad Maintenance jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Railroad Maintenance job openings:
Railroad Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Maintenance job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,078 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

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

Federal Railroad Administration

Springfield, IL

$89K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 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

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