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Railroad Switch Operator Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Amentum

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

El Paso, TX · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include ...

Pae

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

El Paso, TX · On-site

The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include ...

JSW Steel USA

Switchman

Baytown, TX · On-site

$20/hr

Align, operate, and secure rail switches according to operational needs. * Communicate clearly and effectively with locomotive operators and other crew members to coordinate movements. * Conduct pre ...

Rail Management Services

Train Conductor

Ennis, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

Manage rail track switches to direct rail cars to appropriate tracks. * Ability to connect and ... Responsible for maintaining clear communication with Train Engineer/Operator and other crew members ...

Rail Management Services

Conductor

Dallas, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

Manage rail track switches to direct rail cars to appropriate tracks. * Ability to connect and ... Responsible for maintaining clear communication with Train Engineer/Operator and other crew members ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

The Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX · On-site

$16.50 - $19.25/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Mundy Companies

Rail Car Loader

Freeport, TX

$19.42/hr

RAIL CAR LOADER Rail Switching / Brake Setting Experience Required (D-Rail) Successful candidates ... Inspects the vehicle for safety and proper operating conditions * Connects and disconnects product ...

Cando Rail & Terminals

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Yard Master

Gregory, TX · On-site

$13.50 - $17/hr

... railways by leveraging Cando's operating capabilities and network of owned multi-purpose rail terminals. The company provides a wide range of rail services including industrial switching, material ...

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All JobsRailroad Switch Operator JobsRailroad Switch Operator Jobs in Texas

Railroad Switch Operator information

See Texas salary details

$12

$21

$37

How much do railroad switch operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad switch operator in Texas is $21.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by railroad switch operators during their shifts?

Railroad Switch Operators often work in outdoor environments and may face challenges such as inclement weather, night shifts, and the need for constant vigilance to ensure safety. They must coordinate closely with train crews and dispatchers to prevent errors that could lead to delays or accidents. Additionally, handling heavy equipment and responding quickly to unexpected changes in train schedules are common aspects of the role that require both physical stamina and strong communication skills.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Switch Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with signaling systems, track-switching equipment, and safety protocols is essential, and some employers may require certification in railway safety standards. Attention to detail, strong communication, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure the safe, efficient movement of trains and minimize the risk of accidents within the rail yard.

What is the difference between Railroad Switch Operator vs Track Maintainer?

AspectRailroad Switch OperatorTrack Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certification in switch operationHigh school diploma, safety training, track inspection certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areas, near moving trainsRailroad tracks, maintenance yards, outdoor environments
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, freight companies, transit agenciesRailroads, transit agencies, construction companies

The Railroad Switch Operator primarily focuses on operating and controlling track switches to direct train movements, ensuring safety and efficiency. In contrast, the Track Maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks and infrastructure. While both roles require safety training and certifications, the Switch Operator emphasizes switch control, whereas the Maintainer concentrates on track integrity and repairs.

What is a railroad switch operator?

Railroad switch operators are workers responsible for controlling the tracks that guide trains from one track to another within rail yards or along rail lines. They operate track switches and signals to ensure trains are directed safely and efficiently to their intended routes. These operators communicate with train crews and other yard personnel to coordinate train movements and prevent accidents. Their role is crucial for the smooth operation of rail transportation systems.
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Railroad Switch Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Switch Operator job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 53% Full Time, 45% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,742 per year, or $22 per hour.

HEO/RR Brake & Switch Oper

Amentum

El Paso, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago

Job description

Essential Responsibilities:
  • The Heavy Equipment Operator Railroad Brake and Switch Operator operates equipment in a safe and effective manner to minimize risk of injury, property damage, or loss of life; equipment may include, but is not limited to, Fork-lift 4-10k or higher, RTCH(Kalmar) 50k, and various types of military equipment.
  • Supports assigned missions operating Heavy Equipment: Rail support movements.
  • Provides oversight and performs daily Preventive Maintenance Checks (PMCS) on equipment prior to operation and at completion of mission task assignment or at end of work shift.
  • The Brake and Switch Operator must be able to perform switch operations push or pull track switches in rail yards to guide cars onto different tracks, perform brake and coupling control by connecting or disconnecting train cars, test train brakes, and climb railcars to set hand brakes, and perform signaling by using hand signs, lanterns, or radios to tell engineers when to start or stop the train.
  • Safety Inspections: Check air hoses, couplings, and tracks for damage or problems.

Perform all other position-related duties as assigned or requested.
Minimum Requirements:
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Valid state driver's license
  • Must have a valid Railroad Brake and Switch Operator License
  • Minimum of 2-year work experience operating heavy equipment and Brake and Switch Operator required
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance.
  • Passing a pre-employment drug screen and a government background check is required.
  • Must be available for any shift. Willing to work weekends and other hours as needed.
  • Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain facility credentials/authorization. Note: US Citizenship is required for facility credentials/authorization at this work location.

Work Environment, Physical Demands, and Mental Demands:
Shop environment in which heavy equipment is operated, potentially loud environments, and some pieces of equipment have exposed moving components, frequent lifting up to 45 pounds, regular handling, grasping, kneeling and carrying, and constant use of vision and mental alertness is required. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and extreme heat. The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud, or may include unsafe conditions, questioning nonstandard operations or environmental factors that may involve unmitigated hazards, and providing feedback to supervisors and managers on all safety issues. Must be able to acknowledge and respond to emergency lights and sirens and be capable of wearing a protective mask.
Other Responsibilities:
Safety - Amentum enforces a safety culture whereby all employees have the responsibility for continuously developing and maintaining a safe work environment. As appropriate, each employee is responsible for completing all training requirements and fulfilling all self-aid/buddy aid responsibilities, participating in emergency response tasks and serving on safety committees and teams.
Quality - Quality is the foundation for the management of our business and the keystone to our goal of customer satisfaction. It is our policy to consistently provide services that meet customer expectations. Accordingly, each employee must conform to the Amentum Quality Policy and carry out job activities in compliance with applicable Amentum Quality System documents and customer contracts. Each employee must read and understand his/her Quality Management and Customer Satisfaction responsibilities.
Procedure Compliance - Each employee must read, understand and implement the general and specific operational, safety, quality and environmental requirements of all plans, procedures and policies pertaining to his/her job.
Compensation Details:
29.98
Original Posting:
07/28/2026 - Until Filled
Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.
Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low-income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.

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