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Railway Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whiting Corporation

Rail Service Technician

Crete, IL

$35 - $40/hr

Railroad Maintenance Applications * Nuclear & Power Plant Applications * Whiting Services * Services Branch Locations * Overhead Crane Services * Associations and Certifications * Whiting Nuclear

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Railway Maintenance information

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$12

$31

$56

How much do railway maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for railway maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired for a railway maintenance position can be competitive, often requiring relevant experience, technical skills, and sometimes certifications. Candidates should be prepared for physical work, safety training, and adherence to strict regulations, which can influence the hiring process.

What is railway maintenance?

Railway maintenance refers to the activities and tasks involved in keeping railway tracks, equipment, and infrastructure in safe and working condition. This includes inspecting, repairing, and replacing rails, ties, switches, and signaling systems. Regular maintenance ensures the safety of train operations, reduces the risk of accidents, and prolongs the lifespan of railway assets. Maintenance crews use specialized equipment and often work during off-peak hours to minimize disruptions to rail service.

How much do railroad maintenance workers make?

Railroad maintenance workers typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. They often work in environments requiring safety training and may need certifications for operating specialized equipment.

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

Railway maintenance workers often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, adhering to strict safety protocols, and managing unexpected equipment failures. Teams address these challenges by following comprehensive safety training, utilizing specialized tools and technology for diagnostics, and coordinating closely with dispatchers and engineers to minimize service disruptions. Regular communication and ongoing professional development help workers adapt to evolving standards and maintain high safety and efficiency levels.

What does a rail maintainer do?

A rail maintainer is responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railway tracks, switches, and related infrastructure to ensure safety and operational efficiency. They use tools and equipment such as track gauges and welding devices, often working outdoors on a scheduled basis, sometimes requiring certifications in safety and track maintenance. Their work helps prevent accidents and delays on the railway network.

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

To thrive as a Railway Maintenance Worker, you need a strong understanding of mechanical systems, track infrastructure, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training. Familiarity with specialized track inspection tools, heavy machinery, and possibly certifications like the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Track Safety Standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of railway systems and for minimizing service disruptions.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives, or specialized roles like railway engineers and project managers, which require extensive experience and technical skills. These roles often offer salaries exceeding six figures, especially in large companies or with advanced certifications and leadership responsibilities.

What is the difference between Railway Maintenance vs Railway Signaling Technician?

AspectRailway MaintenanceRailway Signaling Technician
Required CredentialsCertifications in track inspection, safety, and equipment repairCertifications in signaling systems, electrical work, and safety protocols
Work EnvironmentTrack areas, maintenance yards, and equipment workshopsSignaling control rooms, trackside signaling equipment, and electrical systems
Employer & Industry UsageRailway companies, transit authorities, maintenance contractorsRailway operators, signaling companies, transit agencies

Railway Maintenance involves inspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks, equipment, and infrastructure to ensure safe train operations. Railway Signaling Technicians focus on installing, troubleshooting, and maintaining signaling systems that control train movements. While both roles require safety certifications and work in railway environments, Railway Maintenance covers a broader scope of infrastructure, whereas Railway Signaling Technicians specialize in signaling systems essential for train safety and coordination.

More about Railway Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Railway Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Railway Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Railway Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Railway Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railway Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railway Maintenance jobs are:
Railway Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railway Maintenance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Railroad Roadmaster

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC

Columbus, NE • On-site

$85K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

We are looking to add a full time Roadmaster to our 340 mile shortline railroad in Columbus, NE.
Responsibilities
  • Supervises all track and structure Maintenance on railroad.
  • Responsible for Planning and implementation of maintenance programs and capital projects.
  • Manages Maintenance and Capital Programs to ensure Safety, Productivity, Quality and adherence to Budgets
  • Instructs work force on safety compliance and mandated programs.
  • Negotiates pricing for equipment and materials.
  • Purchases needed materials for Maintenance of Way projects.
  • Participates in week end duty assignments.
  • Supervision of Maintenance of Way employees to include training, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, and resolving problems, overseeing work done by outside contractors.
  • Responsibilities include handling railcar movement clearances.
  • Recommends persons for hiring and recommends discipline for Maintenance of Way employees.
  • Assists with the annual business plan and projection of anticipated expenses.

Qualifications
  • Preferred Minimum 15 years experience in railroad track maintenance and construction.
  • Preferred Minimum 5 years supervisory experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of all aspects of Railroad maintenance and construction practices.
  • Proven Track Record in providing leadership and results in Safety.
  • Thorough knowledge of FRA practices and standards, including Roadway Worker Safety Regulations.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word preferred.
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills required. Must be able to work effectively with all levels of Municipal and State Governments.
  • Must become qualified on the General Code of Operating Rules.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license.

$85,000 - $95,000 a year
Medical & Dental Insurance, Railroad Retirement and a profit sharing program
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.

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