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Railroad Jobs in Springfield, MA (NOW HIRING)

Remove and replace track and track components (e.g. ties, rails, bars, etc.) * Replace or repair track switches with specific components * Slide and align tie plates * Drill holes through rails for ...

Track Laborer

Westfield, MA · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

Remove and replace track and track components (e.g. ties, rails, bars, etc.) * Replace or repair track switches with specific components * Slide and align tie plates * Drill holes through rails for ...

Track Laborer

Westfield, MA · On-site

$26 - $27/hr

... rails, bars, etc.)Replace or repair track switches with specific componentsSlide and align tie platesDrill holes through rails for insertion of bolts and tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ...

Structures - Rail Project Engineer

East Hartford, CT · On-site +1

$78K - $105K/yr

We are seeking a Structures-Rail Project Engineer to support the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit infrastructure projects. This role focuses on structural components such as bridges ...

Structures - Rail Project Engineer

East Hartford, CT · On-site

$79K - $106K/yr

Transportation We are seeking a Structures-Rail Project Engineer to support the planning, design, and delivery of rail and transit infrastructure projects. This role focuses on structural components ...

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Railroad information

See Springfield, MA salary details

$18

$31

$54

How much do railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad in Springfield, MA is $31.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.38 and $36.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a railroad worker do?

Railroad workers are professionals who help build, maintain, and operate trains and railway systems. Their roles can include conducting trains, maintaining tracks and equipment, inspecting rail cars, and ensuring the safe and efficient transport of goods and passengers. Some common job titles within the railroad industry are locomotive engineer, conductor, track laborer, and signal operator. Railroad workers often work outdoors, sometimes in challenging weather conditions, and may work irregular hours depending on train schedules. Safety is a top priority, and workers must follow strict protocols to prevent accidents.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Worker, you need strong mechanical aptitude, physical stamina, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by specialized on-the-job training. Familiarity with rail-specific tools, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as a commercial driver's license (CDL) or Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification is important. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies are vital for maintaining safety, efficiency, and smooth operations in the demanding railroad environment.

What jobs in the railroad industry are in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the railroad industry estimated to increase in demand over the coming years include rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers. Other jobs, such as locomotive engineers, conductors, and switch operators are all projected to decline due to increased automation and the building of new pipelines which will make it easier for gas and other natural resources companies to bypass rail.

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

Railroad workers often face challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and managing irregular or long shifts. To address these, rail companies invest in comprehensive safety training, provide appropriate protective gear, and maintain clear communication protocols among team members. Additionally, teamwork is emphasized, as many tasks require close coordination with conductors, engineers, and maintenance crews to ensure smooth and safe operations.

What is the difference between Railroad vs Train Conductor?

AspectRailroadTrain Conductor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, stationsOnboard trains, stations, depots
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger servicesRailroad companies, passenger and freight trains
Job FocusOperating and maintaining trains, safetyManaging passenger boarding, safety, and communication

Railroad and Train Conductor roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. While railroad workers focus on operating and maintaining trains, train conductors primarily manage passenger safety and boarding processes. Both roles are essential in the railroad industry, often overlapping but with distinct responsibilities.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a railroad worker can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications such as safety training or a commercial driver's license. Employers typically conduct background checks and drug tests, and some positions may require apprenticeships or prior related work experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad jobs in Springfield, MA?

The most popular types of Railroad jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What job categories do people searching Railroad jobs in Springfield, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad jobs in Springfield, MA are:

What cities near Springfield, MA are hiring for Railroad jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MA with the most Railroad job openings:

Infographic showing various Railroad job openings in Springfield, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,930 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Northampton, MA • On-site

Federal Railroad Administration
Public Administration • 501 - 1,000 employees

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards 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 and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

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. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. 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.

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