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Railroad Track Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

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 ...

Federal Railroad Administration

WI · On-site

$89K/yr

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 ...

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How much do railroad track jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad track in the United States is $31.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $36.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

Jobs related to railroad work, such as railroad conductors or engineers, can pay around $4,000 per week, especially with experience and overtime. These roles often require specialized training, certifications, and working in a physically demanding environment, but they do not always require a college degree.

What railroad job pays the most?

The highest-paying railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives and operations managers, which can earn six-figure salaries. Skilled roles like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn high wages, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized training, safety certifications, and experience working in the rail industry.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the railroad industry, executive roles such as Chief Operating Officer or Vice President can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially in large companies. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing operations, safety, and strategic planning. Most frontline railroad jobs, such as track maintenance or train conductors, do not reach this salary level.

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

AspectRailroad TrackRailroad Track Inspector
CertificationsNone required, but knowledge of track standards helpsRequired certifications in safety and track standards
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, maintenance areas, rail yardsInspection sites along rail lines, maintenance facilities
Job RoleBuilding, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracksInspecting tracks for safety, defects, and compliance
Industry UsageCommonly used in rail construction and maintenanceUsed in safety oversight and quality assurance

Railroad Track workers focus on constructing and maintaining tracks, while Railroad Track Inspectors evaluate track safety and compliance. Both roles are essential in the rail industry, with the inspector ensuring safety standards are met after construction or repairs.

How hard is it to get hired by the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, physical fitness, and passing background checks and drug tests. Many positions also require a high school diploma or equivalent, and some roles may need specialized certifications or training. The hiring process can take several weeks due to background screening and training requirements.

What are railroad track workers?

Railroad track workers are professionals responsible for the construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks and related infrastructure. They ensure that tracks, switches, and signals are safe and in proper working order to support the safe movement of trains. Their duties often include replacing rails, ties, and ballast, as well as addressing any issues caused by weather or wear. This work is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient rail transportation.

What are some of the typical daily challenges faced by railroad track workers, and how are they addressed on the job?

Railroad track workers often encounter challenges such as working in various weather conditions, managing physically demanding tasks, and ensuring safety around active train lines. These challenges are addressed through comprehensive safety training, the use of specialized equipment, and close teamwork to inspect, repair, and maintain track integrity. Workers regularly communicate with train operators and engineers to coordinate safe work windows, and they follow strict safety protocols to minimize risks. Adaptability and attention to detail are crucial for success in this dynamic environment.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Track Worker, you need a solid understanding of track construction, maintenance procedures, and safety protocols, often requiring a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with hand tools, power equipment, and track inspection systems like track geometry cars is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and physical stamina are key soft skills that help individuals excel in this physically demanding and safety-critical environment. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure the safe, efficient operation and longevity of railroad infrastructure.
More about Railroad Track jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Track jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Track job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Track jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Track jobs include:
Railroad Track jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Track job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,161 per year, or $31.8 per hour.
Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Railroad Safety Inspector (Track)- DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Macon, GA • On-site

$89K/yr

Other

Re-posted 8 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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