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Railroad Safety Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

MO

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CO

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CO

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

AZ

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

CA

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

AZ

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

AZ

$89K/yr

A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to ...

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Railroad Safety Inspector information

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$24.5K

$54.9K

$99K

How much do railroad safety inspector jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad safety inspector in the United States is $54,939.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $63,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What's the highest paying job on the railroad?

The highest paying jobs on the railroad typically include senior management roles such as railroad executives, as well as specialized positions like locomotive engineers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical skills, and years of experience, and can offer salaries exceeding six figures annually.

How much does a FRA inspector make?

A Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) inspector typically earns between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and level of certification. They conduct safety inspections, enforce regulations, and ensure compliance with federal safety standards in the railroad industry.

What does a Railroad Safety Inspector do?

A Railroad Safety Inspector is responsible for ensuring that railroads comply with federal safety regulations. They inspect tracks, equipment, train operations, and railroad facilities to identify safety hazards and enforce regulations. Inspectors also investigate accidents, review maintenance records, and may provide safety guidance to railroad employees. Their goal is to ensure the safety of railroad operations for both workers and the public.

What is the difference between Railroad Safety Inspector vs Railroad Track Inspector?

AspectRailroad Safety InspectorRailroad Track Inspector
CertificationsFederal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety certifications, industry-specific trainingTrack inspection certifications, FRA safety training
Work EnvironmentInspecting safety compliance across various railroad operations, including equipment and personnelInspecting track conditions, alignment, and maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, regulatory agenciesRailroads, maintenance contractors
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

The Railroad Safety Inspector and Railroad Track Inspector roles both focus on safety and compliance within the railroad industry. While the Railroad Safety Inspector oversees overall safety protocols, regulations, and compliance across various aspects of railroad operations, the Railroad Track Inspector specializes specifically in inspecting track conditions and maintenance. Both roles require safety certifications and are vital for ensuring safe rail operations, but they differ in scope and daily responsibilities.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Safety Inspector, you need a thorough understanding of railroad operations, federal safety regulations, and inspection procedures, usually supported by relevant experience or technical training. Familiarity with inspection tools, data collection software, and compliance management systems is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication abilities help inspectors identify hazards and collaborate with rail companies. These skills are crucial to ensuring public safety, regulatory compliance, and the prevention of accidents within the rail industry.

What Does a Railroad Safety Inspector Do?

A railroad safety inspector ensures that railroad workers uphold proper safety standards when working on sections of track and that each track stands up to safety code. Your responsibilities are to inspect railroad tracks for wear or potential hazards, enact a plan to repair and maintain tracks and railroad equipment, oversee railroad work, design and manage projects for repair or expansion of tracks, address public or employee complaints or concerns, and communicate with governing railroad agencies about your findings and suggestions. Your job duties may require frequent travel between job and inspection sites and meeting locations.

How to become a railroad safety inspector?

To become a railroad safety inspector, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with experience in railroad operations or safety. Many positions require knowledge of safety regulations, inspection procedures, and sometimes certification from agencies like the Federal Railroad Administration, as well as strong attention to detail and communication skills.

What are some common challenges Railroad Safety Inspectors face during their inspections?

Railroad Safety Inspectors often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, navigating large and complex rail yards, and ensuring compliance across different rail operators. They must stay up-to-date with evolving federal regulations and safety standards while maintaining clear documentation of their findings. Effective communication with railroad personnel and the ability to address safety concerns diplomatically are also crucial aspects of the role.

What type of inspectors make the most money?

In the railroad industry, senior or specialized Railroad Safety Inspectors with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced training tend to earn higher salaries. Inspectors working for large companies or federal agencies, and those overseeing complex or high-risk operations, generally make more than entry-level inspectors. Skills in accident investigation, regulatory compliance, and safety management can also contribute to higher earnings.
What cities are hiring for Railroad Safety Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Safety Inspector job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Safety Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Safety Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Safety Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Safety Inspector jobs are:
Infographic showing various Railroad Safety Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,939 per year, or $26.4 per hour.
Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) -BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) -BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

CA

$89K/yr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

This position(s) is located in the Office of Railroad Safety, Motive Power & Equipment Division. A Railroad Safety Inspector (MP&E) provides technical expertise and direction in th execution and administration of rail safety programs to ensure maximum safety in railroad operations relevant to motive power and equipment.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications for the grade at which you are requesting consideration.

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector (Motive Power & Equipment), 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.
  • Communication in writing and orally.
  • Design, maintenance, or inspection of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Installation, maintenance, or testing of railroad safety appliances and power brakes, their capabilities and limitations; AND
  • Federal laws and regulations pertaining to inspection and testing of locomotives, freight cars, safety appliances, and power brakes.

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience in the functionality of mechanical equipment that pertains to design, maintenance, testing, and inspections of various types of locomotive and freight cars currently in use and their capabilities and limitations.
  • 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 inspection and violation reports that describe defective 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. Compliance Inspection- Knowledge of the guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with compliance inquiries, including application of compliance rules and criteria and ability to make appropriate decisions and issue citations, fines or orders.
  3. Planning and Evaluating- Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short-or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes.
  4. Oral Communication- Makes clear and convincing oral presentations. Listens effectively; clarifies information as needed.
  5. Written Communication- Writes 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