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Switch Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

INEOS

Switchman

Pasadena, TX · On-site

$20.70/hr

... switch crew duties, such as but not limited to: Load customer trucks, move hoses within the plant, perform housekeeping duties, work plant security gate. • Participate in plant safety audits, job ...

Watco

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$22/hr

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Dewey, OK

Dewey, OK

$22/hr

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson, KS

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Canton, NC

Canton, NC

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI

$22.25 - $29/hr

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls, ID

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI · On-site

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

Watco

Conductor - Horicon, WI

Horicon, WI

... crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information. • Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or ...

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How much do switch crew jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for switch crew in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Switch Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Switch Crew member, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and familiarity with railway operations, often supported by on-the-job training or prior experience in rail transport. Knowledge of railway signaling systems, radio communication devices, and basic hand tools is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and quick decision-making are vital soft skills for this physically demanding and safety-critical role. These skills ensure efficient train movements, minimize operational risks, and maintain the safety of crew and passengers.

What are some common challenges faced by Switch Crew members during large-scale events or peak travel periods?

Switch Crew members often encounter increased pressure and demanding work hours during large-scale events or peak travel times, such as holidays or major sporting events. These periods require heightened attention to safety, efficient communication with train operators and other crew members, and quick, accurate responses to unexpected changes in schedules or track assignments. Adapting to rapidly changing conditions and managing physical tasks outdoors in all weather are key challenges that Switch Crew members must be prepared for. However, strong teamwork and thorough training help ensure operations run smoothly even during the busiest times.

What are Switch Crew?

Switch Crew are railroad workers responsible for assembling, disassembling, and routing train cars within a rail yard. They operate track switches, couple and uncouple train cars, and ensure that trains are correctly organized for departure. This role is critical for the safe and efficient movement of freight and passenger trains within rail yards and terminals. Switch Crew members typically work as part of a team under the direction of a yardmaster.

What is the difference between Switch Crew vs Cable Installer?

AspectSwitch CrewCable Installer
Required CertificationsTypically none or basic electrical safety trainingOften requires electrical or cable installation certifications
Work EnvironmentIndoor and outdoor, often in commercial or residential settingsIndoor and outdoor, focusing on cable and wiring setups
Industry UsageTelecommunications, utility companies, electrical contractorsCable TV, internet providers, telecommunications
Job FocusSwitching electrical circuits, installing or maintaining switchesInstalling and connecting cables for communication or power

Switch Crew members primarily focus on electrical switching tasks, while Cable Installers specialize in laying and connecting communication or power cables. Both roles often work in similar environments but have different certifications and job focuses, making them distinct yet related positions within the industry.

More about Switch Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Switch Crew jobs? Cities with the most Switch Crew job openings:
What job categories do people searching Switch Crew jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Switch Crew jobs are:
Switch Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switch Crew job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Full Time, 76% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $45,575 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Switching and Transload Operator

OL&B Railway

Lincoln, NE • On-site

Other

Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

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 Class III switching railroad that interchanges cars from the Union Pacific and BNSF. For more information, visit www.olbrailway.com.

NEBCO, Inc.
NEBCO's story has been one of longevity, diversity and continued growth. NEBCO is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business, with more than 1,100 employees spanning 50 locations across Nebraska.  Since 1908 NEBCO has grown to become one of Nebraska's most diversified and successful privately-owned businesses.  For more information about NEBCO, visit www.nebcoinc.com.

Job Summary 
OL&B Railway is looking for a high performing, motivated, and reliable Switching and Transload Operator! The ideal candidate will have construction or agriculture experience and be mechanically inclined with problem solving skills. This position supports daily switching operations and assists with the repair and maintenance of locomotives and rail car fleet.  Must abide by Company Safety Program and Policies, while performing duties safely.  Reliable attendance required.  Normal hours are Monday thru Friday, 6:45 am to 2:45 pm. Must be able to meet a 2 hour on-call.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Abides by all FRA, AAR, OSHA, DOT, and other applicable regulations.

Works with a switch crew to perform safe railcar switching movements including, roll by inspection of railcars, delivering railcars to and from customers and partner railroads, provide accurate railcar counts, understanding rail yard, determining car movements, securing rail equipment, operating switches, and working with other crew members using radio communications during operating hours, which may include weekends and nights.

Climbs onto railcars, operating straps, opening and closing railcar doors, and operating with ramps.

Safely operates related equipment, such as forklift, while unloading building materials from railcars and trucks, placing materials in designated storage areas, and loading material onto trucks to go to destination, stacking and banding material as necessary.

Completes inventory documentation, shipping papers, and other documentation, ensures correct material(s) arrived and correct material(s) are shipped out.

Performs track maintenance following Track Worker Safety Program while working around and using maintenance of way tools and equipment.

Maintains rail yard including, vegetation, roadway maintenance, drainage, snow removal, and other duties, to ensure a safe working environment. 

Assists in maintenance of facilities and all associated equipment, including, but not limited to, OL&B locomotives, overhead crane, forklift, bobcat, air compressor, company pickups and dump trucks.  Equipment must be kept in sound and safe operating condition.

Assists with maintenance and repairs of OL&B and foreign railcars, and subsequent completion of necessary repair reports. Assist in maintaining inventory of car repair parts. 

Provides switching and other railroad support services as needed.

May also perform driving duties to assist in offloading lumber when needed.

Other duties may be assigned.

Education and/or Experience:   

  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) equivalent; and
  • previous experience in performing mechanical repair, and/or working in construction, agriculture, or related labor environment; or
  • an equivalent combination of education and experience.  

Technical degree/vocational training in railroad programs or related area is helpful, but not necessary. 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:  

  • Valid driver's license and be insurable under the company insurance program.
  • CPR and First Aid Certified, or ability to become certified with company training.
  • Employee will be trained and required to become conductor, forklift, and all other equipment certified necessary to perform their job duties.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as railroad safety rules, procedure manuals, SDS sheets, switch lists, bills of lading, load tickets, and repair sheets.
  • Computer skills through MS Office products for tracking and reporting.
  • Must be proficient on the use of hand, power tools and equipment.
  • Mechanical aptitude helpful.
  • Ability to be to work on time and meet on call requirements.
  • Must maintain a clean and safe yard and car repair environment.
  • Must able to frequently lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.

Benefits Include

  • Retirement Plans
  • PAID Holidays
  • Insurance Benefits
  • Wellness Program - with the opportunity to earn five additional days off
  • PAID Time Off
  • On the Job Training

Condition of Employment
Candidate is required to meet the above qualifications. Approval of pre-employment reference, background checks and post offer substance testing are required as conditions of employment.

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