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Tamper Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RailWorks

TAMPER OPERATOR

San Diego, CA

$35 - $50/hr

Compensation Pay Range - $35.00 through $50.00 Position Summary Operates Tamper in a safe manner to ... A minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment (jackson 6700) - in a railroad ...

INDIANA RAILROAD COMPANY

Tamper Operator

Linton, IN

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of experience operating a tamper (tamping machine or ballast tamper) Preferred Qualifications: * 2 years ...

RailWorks Corporation

TAMPER OPERATOR

San Diego, CA · On-site

$35 - $50/hr

Compensation Pay Range - $35.00 through $50.00 Position Summary Operates Tamper in a safe manner to ... A minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment (jackson 6700) - in a railroad ...

The Indiana Rail Road Company

Tamper Operator

Linton, IN · On-site

$28.15 - $33.12/hr

Minimum of 3 years of experience operating heavy machinery equipment, or at least 1 year of experience operating a tamper (tamping machine or ballast tamper) Preferred Qualifications: * 2 years ...

RailWorks

TAMPER OPERATOR

Stockton, CA

$35 - $50/hr

Compensation Pay Range - $35.00 through $50.00 Position Summary Operates Tamper in a safe manner to ... A minimum of 3 years experience operating heavy equipment (jackson 6700) - in a railroad ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Tamper Operator

Lima, OH

$28.50/hr

At least two years of verifiable experience operating railroad maintenance-of-way equipment * Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems * Ability to understand and ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Tamper Operator

Columbus, OH

$28.50/hr

At least two years of verifiable experience operating railroad maintenance-of-way equipment * Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems * Ability to understand and ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Tamper Operator

Cincinnati, OH

$28.50/hr

At least two years of verifiable experience operating railroad maintenance-of-way equipment * Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems * Ability to understand and ...

G&W

Tamper Operator

Lima, OH · On-site

$28.50/hr

At least two years of verifiable experience operating railroad maintenance-of-way equipment * Ability to perform routine maintenance and troubleshoot equipment problems * Ability to understand and ...

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Tamper Operator information

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$13

$22

$38

How much do tamper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for tamper operator in the United States is $22.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Tamper Operator position, and why are they important?

To excel as a Tamper Operator, you need mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and familiarity with roadwork or construction equipment, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Experience with operating heavy machinery—specifically tamping machines or compactors—and knowledge of safety protocols and maintenance procedures are important. Strong communication, teamwork, and reliability help individuals thrive in fast-paced, outdoor environments. These skills are essential for maintaining equipment efficiency, ensuring a safe job site, and delivering high-quality work on schedule.

What does a typical workday look like for a Tamper Operator?

A typical day for a Tamper Operator involves setting up equipment at the job site, performing pre-operation checks, and operating the tamper or compactor to compact soil, asphalt, or other materials as directed by supervisors. You'll often coordinate closely with other crew members, follow site safety procedures, and perform routine maintenance on your equipment throughout the day. The work is usually outdoors and may require physical stamina, attention to detail, and adaptability to changing site conditions. Operators are also expected to log their work and communicate findings or issues with their team to ensure smooth project progress.

What is a Tamper Operator job?

A Tamper Operator is responsible for operating specialized machinery, such as a ballast tamper, to maintain and align railroad tracks. Their main duties include adjusting track alignment, compacting ballast, and ensuring smooth and safe railway operation. They work closely with maintenance crews to inspect and repair tracks, often in outdoor and physically demanding conditions. This role requires attention to detail, mechanical skills, and knowledge of railroad safety regulations.

More about Tamper Operator jobs
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Tamper Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tamper Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,951 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Railroad Tamper Operator - DIS

Danella Infrastructure Services, Inc.

Miami, FL

$27 - $30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Tamper Operator- Experienced Only

Full Job Description

Danella Infrastructure Services is currently seeking a Tamper Operator in the Florida area. Candidate much operate a Tamper 6700, in accordance to the FRA standards. A minimum of 5 years experience is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Perform maintenance and repair on related equipment used in Maintenance of Way, as necessary.
  • Instruct and direct others, determine priorities and assign workforce accordingly.
  • Operates tamping machines to perform the work the machine is designed for. Which is the raising, leveling and aligning of the Railroad Track Structure to the desired specifications
  • Performs daily equipment safety and maintenance checks, making emergency adjustments as necessary and documentation per daily inspection and repairs reports.
  • Takes actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects.
  • Performs mechanical, electrical and hydraulic repairs in the field.
  • Orders parts on their own and communicates with mechanical supervisor.

Pre-Employment Requirements:

  • Subject to motor vehicle report review.
  • Maintain valid driver’s license and endorsements as required per position.
  • Pass pre-employment DOT physical, medical evaluation, and drug screen.

Benefits:

  • Medical, dental coverage and 401K.

All successful candidates will have passed both a physical examination and drug / alcohol screen. Must maintain valid driver’s license and be able to pass DOT physical along with a background check. Must be able to lift at least 90 lbs.