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Railroad Track Machine Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

American Track

Railroad Track Inspector

Denver, CO · On-site

... operating a hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections * 3+ years experience railroad construction, repair, and maintenance * Ability to operate heavy machinery * Knowledge of rail maintenance ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad ... Able to work in conditions with loud noise, work around heavy/ moving machinery/ bend, walk, stand ...

Transdev

Railroad Track Equipment Operator

Miami, FL · On-site

$72K/yr

Railroad Track Equipment Operator Transdev Rail, Inc. provides an integrated suite of railroad ... Able to work in conditions with loud noise, work around heavy/ moving machinery/ bend, walk, stand ...

G&W

Track Machine Operator

Saint Albans, VT · On-site

$30.67/hr

At least two years of verifiable experience operating railroad maintenance-of-way equipment * Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems * Ability to understand and ...

American Track

Railroad Track Laborer (Trackman)

Pace, FL · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

The position starts as a Trackman, with an opportunity to qualify as a Machine Operator once the ... Carry and place track materials using tools such as tie tongs, rail tongs rail forks, lining bars ...

360 Rail Services

Railroad Track Laborer

Baytown, TX · On-site

$16 - $18/hr

360 Rail Services, LLC is a locally owned and operated railroad design, construction, and ... Reporting to the Track Maintenance Foreman or the Construction Foreman, the Track Laborer is ...

Herzog

CDL Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience in railroad track construction and/or maintenance using various machines for railroad construction or maintenance work in an operating railroad environment is preferred. * Knowledge of ...

Herzog

Track Laborer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

Experience using various machines for railroad construction or maintenance work in an operating railroad environment preferred. * Knowledge of safe and proper procedures for operating track tools and ...

Herzog

CDL Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience in railroad track construction and/or maintenance using various machines for railroad construction or maintenance work in an operating railroad environment is preferred. * Knowledge of ...

Herzog

CDL Operator

Austin, TX · On-site

Experience in railroad track construction and/or maintenance using various machines for railroad construction or maintenance work in an operating railroad environment is preferred. * Knowledge of ...

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Railroad Track Machine Operator information

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How much do railroad track machine operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad track machine operator in the United States is $18.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad track machine operator?

Railroad Track Machine Operators are skilled workers responsible for operating specialized equipment used to construct, maintain, and repair railroad tracks. They handle machinery such as tampers, ballast regulators, and track-laying machines to ensure tracks are aligned, stabilized, and safe for trains. These operators work outdoors in various weather conditions and often travel to different job sites, sometimes working nights, weekends, or holidays to minimize disruptions to train schedules. Safety is a top priority in this role, as working around heavy equipment and moving trains can be hazardous.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Track Machine Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional on-the-job training or certifications in railway operations preferred. Familiarity with track maintenance machines, safety procedures, and sometimes computerized control systems is vital. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient, and precise maintenance of railroad infrastructure, minimizing risks and operational disruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad track machine operators on the job?

Railroad Track Machine Operators often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and must be prepared for physically demanding tasks. A common challenge is adhering to strict safety protocols while operating heavy machinery near active rail lines. Coordination with other crew members is essential, as projects are typically completed by teams working together to ensure tracks are aligned and maintained efficiently. Flexibility with work hours, including nights and weekends, is also often required due to maintenance schedules and track availability.

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

AspectRailroad Track Machine OperatorTrack Maintainer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, specialized training, certifications for operating machineryHigh school diploma, technical training, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOperating heavy machinery on active rail lines, outdoor construction sitesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks, often outdoors
Industry UsageRailroad companies, construction firmsRailroad companies, maintenance contractors

Railroad Track Machine Operators primarily operate heavy machinery to install and repair tracks, requiring specialized training and certifications. Track Maintainers focus on inspecting and maintaining existing tracks, often performing manual repairs. Both roles work outdoors in similar environments but differ in their specific duties and equipment used.

What are popular job titles related to Railroad Track Machine Operator jobs?

For Railroad Track Machine Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Track Machine Operator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,827 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Railroad Track Inspector

Denver, CO • On-site

American Track
Construction • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about American Trackexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time -
MUST LIVE IN DENVER, CO AREA OR BE WILLING TO RELOCATE!!
Description
American Track is seeking an experienced Track Specialist with expert-level knowledge of FRA Track Safety Standards. The Track Specialist is a senior level inspector that monitors railroad track functionality and structure to assure compliance with federal safety regulations. The successful candidate must demonstrate knowledge and understand the requirements of FRA Part 213, detect deviations, and prescribe proper remedial action. The Track Specialist must be detail-oriented, a skilled problem-solver, and able to learn and apply federal and railroad rules, regulations, and policies. 
Major Responsibilities
  • Plan and implement a program of periodic inspections to provide optimum coverage of the railroad track network in the assigned territory and ensure compliance with FRA Class 1 requirements
  • Perform on-ground inspections where defects are indicated to determine the seriousness of the problems and best means of correction.
  • Inspect railroad track structure for compliance with railroad policy and federal/state regulations
  • Detect deviations from federal/state regulations. Communicate with local Area manager and implement remedial action on defects, pending repair
  • Inspect completed work to verify conformance to government regulations
  • Prepare inspection reports for management and government compliance
  • Perform special inspections of the track structure in times of severe weather or other events that may damage the railroad
  • Perform other tasks necessary to the efficient operation of the railroad
  • Identify opportunities for market expansion into new related services or geographies in support of the overall regional and company growth plans.
  • Support key customer relationships and participate in closing strategic opportunities.
  • Perform all other duties as assigned
Requirements
Education Required:
  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Associate’s degree in construction/business management, or equivalent work experience, preferred
  • Valid Driver’s License

Work Experience Required:
  • MUST LIVE IN DENVER, CO AREA!
  • 2+ years experience operating a hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections 
  • 3+ years experience railroad construction, repair, and maintenance
  • Ability to operate heavy machinery
  • Knowledge of rail maintenance and/or commercial construction operations
  • Track inspection (FRA or non-FRA) in order to help identify and evaluate opportunities 
Skills & Knowledge Required:
  • FRA Track Safety Standards
  • Roadway Worker Protection rules
  • Ability to drive long hours and travel regularly, with overnight stay
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with others
  • Excellent planning and time management abilities
  • Self-motivated, able to maintain schedules and execute on sales activities with minimal supervision day-to-day
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
  • Constant physical effort, including standing, stoop, bend, and crouch, is required during regular work shift of at least 8 hours per day.
  • Ability to lift and carry, on a frequent basis, at least 50 pounds
  • Frequently walk on uneven surfaces, including natural ground, in varying weather conditions to include extreme heat, rain, cold.
  • Ability to climb on and off on-track equipment safely.
  • Outdoor work environment periodically exposes employees to high levels of noise, grease, and dust that is typically associated with a construction project.
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