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Railroad Track Worker Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager-Track

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $240K/yr

... railroad track construction practices and safety procedures * Familiarity with MBTA engineering standards and Massachusetts transit authority operating rules preferred * Working knowledge of FRA ...

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Railroad Track Worker information

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$5

$23

$43

How much do railroad track worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad track worker in the United States is $23.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad track worker do?

Railroad track workers are skilled laborers responsible for building, inspecting, maintaining, and repairing railroad tracks, switches, and other related infrastructure. Their work ensures that trains operate safely and efficiently by keeping the tracks in good condition and free from defects. Typical duties include replacing rails, ties, and ballast, operating specialized machinery, and performing regular inspections to spot potential hazards. The job can be physically demanding and often requires working outdoors in various weather conditions. Railroad track workers play a crucial role in the overall safety and reliability of train transportation.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Track Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, attention to safety, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, track inspection systems, and sometimes specialized certifications such as FRA track safety standards is important. Dependability, teamwork, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating effectively and responding to hazards. These skills and qualifications ensure the safe, efficient maintenance and repair of railroad infrastructure, minimizing risks and service interruptions.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad track workers, and how are these addressed on the job?

Railroad track workers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, performing physically demanding tasks, and maintaining strict safety standards while working near active rail lines. To address these, employers provide comprehensive safety training, supply appropriate personal protective equipment, and implement protocols to minimize risks, such as scheduling maintenance during off-peak hours. Teamwork and clear communication are essential, as workers must coordinate closely with colleagues and train dispatchers to ensure safety and efficiency during repairs and inspections.

What is the difference between Railroad Track Worker vs Railroad Maintenance Worker?

AspectRailroad Track WorkerRailroad Maintenance Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety certificationsHigh school diploma, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentOn tracks, outdoor, physically demandingOn tracks, outdoor, physically demanding
Industry UsageSpecific to track installation and repairBroader, includes track and infrastructure maintenance
Common Search IntentCompare roles in track workCompare roles in railroad upkeep

Railroad Track Workers focus specifically on installing, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks, often working directly on the tracks themselves. Railroad Maintenance Workers have a broader role that includes maintaining tracks, signals, and other infrastructure. Both roles require safety certifications and outdoor, physically demanding work environments, but their scope of work differs slightly.

How much do you get paid for working on train tracks?

Railroad track workers typically earn an average hourly wage between $20 and $30, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $60,000. Wages can vary based on experience, location, and union agreements, and the job often requires safety training and physical stamina.

How to become a railroad track worker?

To become a railroad track worker, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a physical exam. On-the-job training is common, and workers often learn safety procedures, equipment use, and track maintenance techniques. Some positions may require certifications in safety or operating specific tools and machinery.
More about Railroad Track Worker jobs

What cities are hiring for Railroad Track Worker jobs?

Cities with the most Railroad Track Worker job openings:

What states have the most Railroad Track Worker jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railroad Track Worker jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Track Worker jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Track Worker jobs are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Track Worker job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,378 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

North American Rail Solutions (NARS) 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. This role also identifies sales opportunities and forwards bids to the sales and senior leadership teams. 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
  • Create a culture of success within the sales team to drive growth in the business and goal achievement.
  • 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

Job 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:
  • 3+ years experience operating a hi-rail truck and performing on-track inspections
  • 5+ 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.

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.