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How much do tamper operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 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 is a tamper operator?

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.

What does a tamper operator do?

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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a tamper operator?

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.

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Tamper Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Tamper Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,951 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Operator 1 - Production Tamper Operator

Frontier Railroad Services, LLC.

Lexington, KY

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Operate and perform maintenance on a Mark IV Tamper as part of the company's surfacing unit.

  • Follow safety procedures, conduct safety checks, and ensure proper use of PPE and compliance with DOT regulations.

  • Communicate with supervisors and perform other duties related to equipment operation and safety as required.

Job description


Job Title: Operator 1

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt




Company Overview


Frontier Railroad Services, LLC is a railroad construction company based in New Stanton, PA performing new construction and rehabilitation for customers in the Eastern United States.


Job Description:


The Mark IV Tamper Operator (Operator 1) is tasked with operation and maintenance of a Mark IV Tamper as part of the company's surfacing unit.


Responsibilities:


  • Operate Specialized equipment. (i.e. Mark IV Tamper.)
  • Performs preventative maintenance on heavy or specialized equipment.
  • Maintains proper equipment appearance and cleanliness.
  • May perform labor duties as needed.
  • Communicates with supervisor throughout the job process.
  • Practices safe working habits.
  • Ensures working conditions are safe and that proper PPE is being used as job duties require.
  • Follow DOT regulations; ensuring proper permits and driving regulations are followed.
  • Operates equipment in a safe and efficient manner in accordance with regulations, policies and procedures.
  • Performs equipment safety and maintenance checks, making emergency adjustments as necessary.
  • Takes actions to avoid potential hazards and obstructions, such as utility lines, other equipment, other workers, and falling objects.
  • Studies instructions, plans, and diagrams to establish work requirements.
  • Other duties as required.


Requirements:


  • Safe and efficient operation of machine.
  • 3+ years of experience operating a Mark IV Tamper in a railroad construction environment.
  • Excellent safety record.
  • Ability to communicate well with co-workers, customers, and supervisors.
  • Ability to operate power tools.
  • Experience operating computers and mobile devices such as iPads and iPhones.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair machine.
  • Have a working knowledge of hydraulics/electronics.
  • Ability to read and understand construction specifications.
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability and willingness to be trained as well as train others on the machine.


Physical Requirements: Agility to navigate into confined spaces if necessary, ability to crouch, stoop, bend and lift heavy weight in excess of 50 pounds.


Environmental Conditions: Performs duties in multiple environments including outside construction project settings, in and around moving vehicles and equipment. Exposure to weather elements; must wear appropriate PPE required for the project site.




Compensation:


  • Competitive wage.
  • Medical, dental and vision care.
  • Life insurance and disability.
  • 401k retirement plan.
  • Discretionary profit-sharing bonus.
  • Daily per diem in most cases.
  • Hotel and travel expenses paid in most cases.
  • Opportunity to advance with a growing company.



You must have a personal email address to apply for this position. Communication will be done via email.



Unfortunately, due to the number of applications we receive, we will only contact those individuals we believe would be the best match for the requirements of the position.


EEO Statement: Frontier Railroad Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Frontier Railroad Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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