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How much do short line railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for short line railroad in Ohio is $18.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $17.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

More about Short Line Railroad jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio?

For Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Short Line Railroad jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Short Line Railroad jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Short Line Railroad job openings:

Short Line Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Short Line Railroad job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,042 per year, or $18.8 per hour.

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway | Trainmaster (WLE-0084)

Canton, OH

transtar
See more jobs at transtarexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) is one of the largest regional railroads in the United States and the largest in Ohio, operating 840 miles of track across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  W&LE runs 98 locomotives, moves more than 140,000 carloads annually, and supports operations through seven major rail yards and a 120,000 square foot locomotive and car repair facility. The railroad serves over 110 customers through a diverse fleet of 1,400 owned or leased railcars and hauls a wide range of commodities including steel, petroleum products, aggregates, chemicals, coal, lumber, paper, and plastics. With connections to three Class I railroads, Canadian National, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, and fourteen regional and short line partners, W&LE offers flexible routing and competitive service options.

Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Brewster, Ohio since 1913, the company continues its long legacy with seven day a week interchange operations and 24/7 customer support, delivering dependable, efficient service rooted in both regional heritage and modern capability.

 

Job Description

The Trainmaster position is an experienced, full-time, exempt salaried supervisory role of Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE). This position is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of trains, supervision of train and engine crews, and enforcement of operating rules in accordance with W&LE standards and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations.

The Trainmaster directly supervises, leads, and develops train and engine service employees to ensure safe, efficient railroad operations while supporting customer service, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement initiatives. This role emphasizes safety leadership, rule compliance, operational efficiency, and emergency response. Trainmasters work outdoors in all weather conditions with variable and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call response as required.

Duties/Responsibilities

  • Manage safe and efficient train operations at all times.
  • Enforce compliance with FRA regulations, company operating rules, safety policies, and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Directly supervise train and engine crews to ensure compliance with rules, schedules, and customer requirements.
  • Conduct operational tests, efficiency testing, and rule compliance observations.
  • Investigate accidents, incidents, injuries, and rule violations and complete required documentation.
  • Lead, coach, and develop employees to improve performance, safety awareness, and professionalism.
  • Coordinate train operations with dispatching, mechanical, engineering, and customer service departments.
  • Respond to emergencies, service interruptions, and after-hours incidents.
  • Plan and allocate crew resources to meet operational demands.
  • Ensure accurate completion of reports, investigations, and regulatory documentation.


Working Conditions

  • Work safely at all times in compliance with all safety and operating rules.
  • Outdoors in all types of weather for extended periods of time.
  • Walk on uneven and irregular surfaces.
  • Climb on and off railroad equipment.
  • Wear required PPE for the job task(s).


Full Time

  • Full time (salary/overtime exempt).
  • Variable and irregular work hours with irregularly scheduled days off.
  • Employees work weekdays, weekends, nights, and holidays on an on-call basis, 24 hours a day.

Travel

  • Travel is required throughout assigned territory and/or system.
  • Must be willing and able to work any hours at any location on the railroad in OH and PA.
  • Relocation may be required.

Minimum Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Prior railroad operating experience (train or engine service preferred).
  • Supervisory or leadership experience.
  • Knowledge of FRA operating rules and regulations.
  • Strong communication and decision-making skills.
  • Microsoft Office proficiency.


Compensation and Benefits

  • Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefit package including excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, railroad retirement, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid personal leave, and college scholarships for dependents.

 

Drug Free Workplace

 

  • W&LE is a drug-free workplace and maintains a zero-tolerance policy.
  • Employees are subject to pre-employment and frequent drug and alcohol testing.
  • A DUI or OVI conviction within the last three years will disqualify you from consideration for this position.
  • All positions require pre-employment background verification, physical, and drug/alcohol screening.

 

Location

  • Brewster, OH.

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