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Short Line Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

OL&B Railway

General Application

Lincoln, NE

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line". OL&B Railway is a ...

OL&B Railway

General Application

Lincoln, NE · On-site

OL&B Railway, a NEBCO Company, is a short line railway, specializing in transloading, railcar repair, railcar storage, and track repair. It is also known as the "Big Red Line". OL&B Railway is a ...

State of Louisiana

DOTD Program Manager

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.0K - $9.8K/mo

Manages the statewide rail infrastructure short-line program compliance, short-line railroad construction, and short-line railroad safety program. Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more ...

State of Louisiana

DOTD Program Manager

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$5.0K - $9.8K/mo

Manages the statewide rail infrastructure short-line program compliance, short-line railroad construction, and short-line railroad safety program Please visit our DOTD Career Center for more ...

Watco

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS

Wichita, KS

$20/hr

Five 8-hour shifts per week (may not be consecutive),24/7, 365 days Responsible for coordinating and directing train movements across the short line railroad network to ensure safe, efficient, and ...

Watco

Dispatcher - Wichita, KS

Wichita, KS · On-site

$20/hr

Five 8-hour shifts per week (may not be consecutive),24/7, 365 days Responsible for coordinating and directing train movements across the short line railroad network to ensure safe, efficient, and ...

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All JobsShort Line Railroad Jobs

Short Line Railroad information

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$10

$19

$44

How much do short line railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for short line railroad in the United States is $19.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Short Line Railroad Jobs?

Short line railroad jobs involve train operations and maintenance in a rail yard or on the tracks. Your duties and responsibilities vary depending on the details of your post. Railroad crew members perform maintenance, inspect rails, test crossing signals, and operate switches along the line. Roadmasters oversee operations on the track, while yardmasters manage railroad yards. Yard laborers, or carmen, maintain, paint, and clean rail cars. Train engineers control the train when it is traveling. Short-line railroads also have conductors whose responsibilities include overseeing cargo and passengers during the journey.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Short Line Railroad Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Short Line Railroad Operator, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety protocols, and mechanical systems, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training or relevant certifications. Familiarity with track-switching systems, locomotive controls, and compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and problem-solving skills help operators ensure safe and efficient rail service. These competencies are vital for maintaining operational safety, minimizing delays, and supporting reliable transportation for freight or passengers.

What is the difference between Short Line Railroad vs Railroad Conductor?

AspectShort Line RailroadRailroad Conductor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, sometimes certificationsHigh school diploma, safety training, conductor certification often required
Work EnvironmentRural or regional rail lines, on-site at rail yards and tracksOn trains, at rail yards, and in stations
Industry UsageOperates regional or local freight linesManages train operations, safety, and crew coordination

Short Line Railroad and Railroad Conductor roles both operate within the rail industry, often requiring similar certifications and safety training. While short line railroads focus on regional freight services, conductors are responsible for managing train operations and crew on various rail lines. The roles are interconnected but differ in daily responsibilities and work settings.

Is it hard to get hired on the railroad?

Getting hired as a short line railroad employee can be competitive and often requires relevant experience, physical fitness, and sometimes certifications such as safety training or locomotive operation. Entry-level positions may have less strict requirements, but overall, the hiring process can involve background checks, interviews, and training periods. Familiarity with safety protocols and the ability to work in a demanding environment are important factors.

What are some common challenges faced by employees working on a Short Line Railroad, and how can they prepare for them?

Employees on a Short Line Railroad often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, adapting to varying weather conditions, and maintaining safety standards on smaller teams with fewer resources. Unlike larger railroads, short lines usually require staff to be versatile, performing multiple roles such as operating trains, performing track maintenance, and handling administrative tasks. Preparing for these challenges involves developing strong communication skills, staying up to date with safety regulations, and being proactive in problem-solving. Many short line railroads also offer on-the-job training and encourage collaboration, making it a supportive environment for those willing to learn and adapt.

What is a Short Line Railroad?

A Short Line Railroad is a small or regional railroad company that operates over a relatively short distance compared to major national railroads. These railroads typically connect rural areas, industries, or smaller communities to the larger national rail network, often serving as a crucial link for freight transportation. Short Line Railroads can be independently owned or operate as subsidiaries of larger rail companies. They play an essential role in supporting local economies and providing customized rail services that larger railroads may not offer.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the context of short line railroads, high-paying roles such as senior management, chief operating officers, or specialized consultants can earn around $2,000 per day, especially with extensive experience and industry expertise. These positions often require advanced skills, certifications, and significant responsibility within the company or industry. Most operational roles, like train crews or maintenance workers, typically do not reach this daily pay level.

What railroad jobs pay the most?

In the railroad industry, management roles such as railroad executives, operations managers, and safety directors tend to have the highest salaries. Skilled positions like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn higher wages, especially with experience and certifications. These roles often require specialized training and can include overtime or shift differentials that increase pay.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the railroad industry, executive roles such as Chief Operating Officer or Vice President of Operations can earn salaries around or above $300,000 annually, especially in large companies. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and often involve overseeing operations, safety, and strategic planning within the railroad sector.
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Short Line Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Line Railroad job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Full Time, 56% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,066 per year, or $19.7 per hour.
Post-Doc Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST)

Post-Doc Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST)

The Pennsylvania State University

Altoona, PA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click "Apply" and complete the application process for external applicants.

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location.For additional information on remote work at Penn State, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

This is a term position; length of the term will be discussed during the interview process. Continuation past the termlengthdiscussed willbebasedonuniversityneed,performance,and/oravailabilityoffunding.

POSITION SPECIFICS

The Rail Center for Research Enhancing Short-line Transportation (Rail CREST) at Penn State Altoona invites applications for a Research Scientist/Post-Doc position. Rail CREST is a federally funded research center supported by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) through the CRISI program. The center focuses on developing affordable technologies, workforce development programs, and safety innovations for the U.S. short-line railroad industry.

The Research Scientist will play a key leadership role in supporting the strategic growth and daily operation of Rail CREST, working closely with the Center Director, partner universities, industry partners, and federal stakeholders. The successful candidate will help coordinate research activities across multiple institutions while contributing technically to projects focused on rail infrastructure monitoring, sensing technologies, data analytics, and intelligent transportation systems.

Responsibilities

  • Support the strategic planning and daily operation of the Rail CREST Center.

  • Coordinate research activities across multiple partner universities and industry collaborators.

  • Assist with the development of new research proposals and technology transfer initiatives.

  • Lead and contribute to research projects related to rail infrastructure sensing, structural health monitoring, instrumentation systems, data analytics, and artificial intelligence applications in rail transportation.

  • Manage or oversee field deployments, laboratory testing, and instrumentation development.

  • Assist with industry-facing testing, demonstrations, and commercialization activities related to rail technologies.

  • Supervise research staff, graduate students, and project teams.

Required Qualifications

  • Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Railroad Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field.

  • Demonstrated research expertise in rail infrastructure, structural health monitoring, sensing systems, instrumentation, or transportation infrastructure analytics.

  • Experience working with data-driven technologies such as sensor networks, machine learning, or AI-enabled infrastructure monitoring.

  • Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to coordinate multi-institutional research projects.

  • Ability to work effectively with industry partners, government agencies, and academic collaborators.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with railroad infrastructure systems including track, bridges, or railway operations.

  • Experience deploying or managing field instrumentation systems or sensing networks.

  • Experience working with federally funded research programs (e.g., FRA, USDOT, NSF).

  • Interest in technology transfer and industry collaboration.

About Rail CREST

Rail CREST is a national research center dedicated to enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of short-line railroads in the United States. The center focuses on developing affordable sensing technologies, intelligent infrastructure monitoring systems, and workforce training programs that directly support the needs of regional and short-line railroads. The center brings together multiple universities, industry partners, and railroad operators to advance applied research and technology deployment in the rail sector.

Appointment

This is a Research Scientist/ Post-Doc position, depending on qualifications and experience. The appointment is expected to be 12-month, renewable based on performance and funding availability.

Application

Please visit Penn State's Human Resources website https://hr.psu.edu/careers, and submit the following documents:

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Cover letter describing relevant experience and interest in the position

  • Contact information for three professional references

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional well-being.

For more detailed information, please visit ourBenefits Page. (Note: For Postdoctoral benefits, please see our Postdoctoral Benefits page.)

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

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About Pennsylvania State University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pennsylvania State University, often referred to as Penn State, is a major, public, research-intensive university located in University Park, PA, US. This esteemed institution serves as an important player within the education industry, offering a plethora of academic programs across various disciplines. The university was founded in 1855 with the mission to provide quality education, advanced research, and service to society. Penn State holds firmly to values of integrity, respect, and excellence, fostering a diverse and inclusive community. The university is renowned for its research productivity and its high-ranking programs in areas like engineering, business, and education. One notable achievement of the institution is its designation as a "R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity," demonstrating its commitment to scholarship and discovery.

Industry

Education

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

University Park, PA, US

Year founded

1855

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