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Switchman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brown & Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Railroad Yardmaster is responsible for directing and managing all rail yard activities, including the movement of trains, coordination of railcar switching, and communication with train crews.

loadstarusa

Rail Switchman

Saint James, LA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary This position will be responsible for the safe and efficient railcar switching and locomotive operations. Strong communication skills are required to be able to safely move railcars in ...

Brown & Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Railroad Yardmaster is responsible for directing and managing all rail yard activities, including the movement of trains, coordination of railcar switching, and communication with train crews.

Watco Transloading

Switchman - Sauget / Cahokia, IL

Sauget, IL · On-site

$110K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PAY & INCENTIVES * 30% of the gross base pay * $1.Running OTR, mainly east of i-35 * Referral Bonus * Safety Bonus HOMETIME * 3 weeks out with 2-3 days home * Drivers take the truck home, or b.

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Brown and Root

Railroad Switchman 2

Mont Belvieu, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Railroad Yardmaster is responsible for directing and managing all rail yard activities, including the movement of trains, coordination of railcar switching, and communication with train crews.

Xanterra Travel Collection

Switchman II

Williams, AZ · On-site

$20.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • PTO

The Switchman II is responsible for night and day switching of railroad equipment: passenger cars, maintenance of way equipment, & locomotives. Perform mechanical inspections, air brake tests ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor/Switchman

Catawba, SC

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Conductor/Switchman, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure operational efficiency. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to set a strong ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor/Switchman

Kansas City, KS

$26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Switchman/Engineer or Utility Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure operational efficiency. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Switchman/Engineer or Utility Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure operational efficiency. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Catawba, SC · On-site

$24/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As a Conductor/Switchman, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail equipment to ensure operational efficiency. We will provide you with hands-on and classroom training to set a strong ...

Switchyards, Inc.

Retention Coordinator ()

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Switchyards is the world's first neighborhood work club. We're creating places to do our best thinking and most productive work. Near home. Around friends and neighbors. Always open - 24/7. For more ...

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Switchman information

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$14

$21

$27

How much do switchman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for switchman in the United States is $21.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a switchman?

A switchman operates the track switches for a railroad. Their job duties involve operating the switches and brakes, inspecting important parts of the trains, attaching and detaching freight cars, and moving cars. This career requires excellent physical strength and stamina, so switchmen have to undergo a medical exam and a physical exam. Additional qualifications include strong mechanical skills and good hand-eye coordination. Most railyards provide on-the-job training so switchmen can learn about railroad equipment as well as standard policies and procedures.

What does a switchman do?

A Switchman is responsible for operating railroad switches, which control the direction of train movements on tracks. They work in rail yards or along railway lines to ensure trains are routed safely and efficiently. Switchmen also couple and uncouple train cars, signal engineers, and help organize cars for proper train assembly. Their work is essential for smooth rail operations and preventing accidents. Attention to detail and strict adherence to safety protocols are key aspects of this job.

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

To thrive as a Switchman, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, strong situational awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication devices, track-switching systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient movement of trains and minimize risks in a physically demanding and hazardous environment.

What are some common challenges faced by switchmen in their day-to-day work?

Switchmen often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and are responsible for safely directing railcars, which requires constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The role can be physically demanding, involving manual operation of track switches and coupling or uncoupling railcars. Additionally, switchmen must communicate clearly with engineers and conductors to coordinate movements, which is crucial to preventing accidents and maintaining efficient rail yard operations.

What is the difference between Switchman vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSwitchmanSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areasRailway signals, control centers
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger trainsRailroad companies, signaling systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Switchmen and Signal Maintainers work in the railway industry, Switchmen primarily handle switching and moving railcars within yards, whereas Signal Maintainers focus on maintaining and repairing signaling systems. Both roles require technical skills and are essential for safe railway operations, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

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What states have the most Switchman jobs?

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Switchman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switchman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $44,288 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Locomotive Switchman/Conductor

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Muscatine, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

At Cando, safety is more than a priority, it is the foundation of everything we do. We are seeking motivated, safety-focused professionals to join our team as a Switchman/Conductor supporting rail operations at a major chemical manufacturing facility.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic industrial environment where safety, teamwork, and precision are critical. If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, solving problems, and contributing to essential supply chain operations, we encourage you to explore a career with Cando.
Cando is a North American leader in specialized rail operating services, providing industrial switching, short line operations, material handling, terminal and transload services, and customized rail solutions for customers across a variety of industries. As we continue expanding throughout the United States, we invite you to grow your career with us.
Why Join Cando?
  • Consistent work-life balance
  • Comprehensive technical and leadership development programs
  • Award-winning safety culture
  • Health and dental benefits, including voluntary coverage options.
  • A team-oriented environment focused on employee success and safety.

Position Summary
As a Switchman/Conductor, you will play a critical role in supporting safe and efficient railcar movements within a chemical plant operation. Collaborating closely with locomotive operators and plant personnel, you will ensure railcars containing raw materials and finished chemical products are moved safely, accurately, and in compliance with all operating regulations and site-specific safety requirements.
Success in this position requires strong situational awareness, a commitment to safety, exceptional teamwork, and the ability to perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Safely coordinate and execute railcar switching operations within a chemical manufacturing facility.
  • Conduct thorough job briefings and communicate clearly with crew members to ensure safe train and locomotive movements.
  • Apply operating rules, special instructions, and switching procedures while serving as either a locomotive operator or ground crew member.
  • Operate switches and derails, couple and uncouple railcars, connect and disconnect air hoses, and apply or release hand brakes.
  • Handle railcar movements associated with the transportation of chemical products and materials while adhering to strict safety protocols.
  • Protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure during all switching activities.
  • Conduct air brake tests and perform routine inspections of locomotives, railcars, tracks, and operating equipment.
  • Maintain compliance with all federal regulations, customer requirements, site-specific chemical plant procedures, and Cando operating standards.
  • Complete daily inspections, operational reports, logs, and required documentation accurately and on time.
  • Ensure locomotives and work areas remain safe, organized, and operationally ready.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain professional working relationships with plant personnel and stakeholders.
  • Participate in ongoing training, safety initiatives, and operational improvement programs.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Strong commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret switching lists, operating procedures, safety documents, and work instructions.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced industrial environment.
  • Comfortable using technology and computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
  • Ability to obtain required rail operating certifications and successfully complete drug, alcohol, and medical assessments.

Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding role requiring the ability to:
  • Frequently climb on and off locomotives and railcars.
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions year-round.
  • Lift, carry, and manipulate air hoses and rail equipment.
  • Operate hand brakes, switches, and derails.
  • Walk long distances on uneven surfaces and maintain awareness in an active industrial setting.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Switchman, Conductor, Yard Operator, or Locomotive Operator.
  • Prior railroad, industrial switching, or rail transportation experience.
  • Experience working in a chemical plant, refinery, petrochemical facility, manufacturing plant, or other process-based industrial environment.
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials handling procedures and strict industrial safety standards.
  • Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Why This Role Matters
Rail operations are a critical component of the chemical industry's supply chain. As a Cando Switchman, you will help ensure the safe and efficient movement of materials that support manufacturing operations while working within a highly regulated environment where safety, reliability, and professionalism are essential to success.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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