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Railroad Trackman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Supervise Track Laborer, Trackman, and Truck Driver ... rail. • Inspect, load, unload, distribute, pick-up, remove, construct, maintain and repair ...

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Railroad Trackman information

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How much do railroad trackman jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad trackman in the United States is $15.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.90 and $15.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad trackman?

Railroad trackmen are skilled workers responsible for the installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks and related infrastructure. Their duties include replacing worn rails, ties, and ballast, ensuring tracks are properly aligned and safe for train travel. They work outdoors in various weather conditions and often use specialized tools and heavy machinery. Trackmen play a crucial role in keeping railroads safe and operational for both freight and passenger trains.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Trackman, you need a solid understanding of track construction, maintenance techniques, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, track inspection equipment, and safety certifications such as FRA roadway worker protection is essential. Attention to detail, physical stamina, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities ensure safe, efficient railroad operations and help prevent costly delays or accidents.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad trackmen during their daily work?

Railroad Trackmen often work outdoors in varying weather conditions, which can be physically demanding and require adaptability. They must be vigilant about safety protocols, as the work involves heavy machinery and proximity to active train tracks. Another challenge is responding to emergency repairs or unexpected track issues, which may require working irregular hours or being on-call. Effective teamwork and clear communication are essential, as Trackmen typically collaborate closely with other crew members to maintain and repair track infrastructure efficiently.

What is the difference between Railroad Trackman vs Railroad Laborer?

AspectRailroad TrackmanRailroad Laborer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, sometimes specialized track safety coursesOSHA safety training, general labor certifications
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, on or near tracks, often in all weather conditionsOutdoor or indoor construction sites, general labor tasks
Job DutiesInspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks and switchesAssisting with various construction and maintenance tasks
Industry UsageCommonly used in railroad maintenance and constructionUsed across multiple construction and infrastructure projects

Railroad Trackmen focus specifically on track inspection and maintenance, requiring specialized safety training. Railroad Laborers perform broader construction tasks, often assisting with various projects. While both roles work outdoors and require safety certifications, the Railroad Trackman role is more specialized within the railroad industry.

More about Railroad Trackman jobs

What states have the most Railroad Trackman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Railroad Trackman jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Railroad Trackman jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Trackman jobs are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Trackman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $32,089 per year, or $15.4 per hour.

Track Foreman - Belle, WV

Watco

Belle, WV

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

304th of 366 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The foreman position is required to safely and efficiently inspect, repair, and maintain the railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service to our customers. This position requires that the individual is proficient in and can supervise team members while performing the following skills, duties, and requirements. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Supervise Track Laborer, Trackman, and Truck Driver/Machine Operator. 
• Inspect, unload, load, distribute, pick-up, install cross ties, switch ties, other track material and ballast. 
• Inspect, unload, distribute, load, pick-up, install, grind, and transpose rail. 
• Inspect, load, unload, distribute, pick-up, remove, construct, maintain and repair turnouts. 
• Inspect for defects, patrol, construct, install, retire, remove, surface, gauge, line and shift track. 
• Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, and repair road crossings. 
• Inspect, protect, flag, construct, install, maintain, repair, paint, renew and replace bridges. 
• Inspect, protect, flag, maintain, repair and construct culverts and tunnels. 
• Inspect, dismantle, remove, maintain, repair and paint station facilities. 
• Inspect, test, maintain, repair, construct and install scales. 
• Inspect, remove, maintain, repair, construct, and install right of way, sand and snow fences. 
• Inspect, construct, install, maintain, clean and paint signs. 
• Cut and dispose of vegetation. 
• Clean debris from switches and remove snow or other foreign materials from track infrastructure. 
• Complete accurate and timely reporting as required. 
• Read and accurately interpret company documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and federal and state regulations. 
• Communicate professionally and effectively. 
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of track authority. 
• Comply with performance metrics measurements and deadlines. 
• Practice safe work habits and follow company and industry policies, procedures and regulations. 
• Respond promptly to any accident, incident or emergency call. 
• Operate, maintain, and repair vehicles and track equipment. 
• Inspect completed work to ensure quality and compliance with established track standards. 
• Assist in training, mentoring and directing track laborers.  
• Obtain and operate under track warrants. 
• Supervise restoration of track under traffic condition. 
• Identify project risks and opportunities.  
• Coordinate work activities with all departments as needed. 
• Attends meetings and conference calls as required. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  

• Must have the ability to recognize problems, apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
• Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to have a flexible work schedule.
• Must have knowledge of and be able to apply the Roadway Protection Rules and the FRA Track Safety Standards.
• Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations and experience in operating railroad equipment.
• Must have the ability to apply concepts of basic math and calculate figures.
• Must have the ability to perform duties without direct supervision.
• Must have familiarity with applicable governmental regulations.
• Ability to effectively manage contractors.
• Must be 18 years or older.
• Must have a Class D Driver’s License.
• High School education or general education (GED) or 3 to 6 months job-related experience; or equivalent of education and experience.
• The team member in this job must have passed Track Ground School, GCOR Written Test, Roadway Worker Protection Written Test, Fall Protection Written Test, Maintenance of Way Safety Written Test, MSHA/OSHA Training and Certification (if required on site), and CWR Written Test.
• Must also be able to pass and apply the information from the FRA Track Standards Test, Track Foreman Written Test, Track Inspection Written Test, and Manager’s Training. 

Education
Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent

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