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Track Inspector Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Inspect, unload, load, distribute, pick-up, install cross ties, switch ties, other track material and ballast. • Inspect, unload, distribute, load, pick-up ...

As a Track Inspector, you'll play a key role in ensuring rail safety-responsible for inspecting and monitoring track structures to ensure compliance with federal, state, and company regulations. Your ...

Ties Inspector

Goshen, VA · On-site

$24.81/hr

Position Overview The Ties Inspector 1 performs operational work related to receipt, inspection, grading, shipment, storage, distribution or delivery of products, parts and materials. Loads, unloads ...

Qualify in Track Inspection as required by FRA * Roadway Worker Protection Qualified WORK ENVIRONMENT * Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather: snow, rain, heat ...

Qualify in Track Inspection as required by FRA * Roadway Worker Protection Qualified WORK ENVIRONMENT * Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather: snow, rain, heat ...

Qualify in Track Inspection as required by FRA * Roadway Worker Protection Qualified WORK ENVIRONMENT * Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather: snow, rain, heat ...

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$5

$28

$51

How much do track inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for track inspector in the United States is $28.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $25.96 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Track Inspectors in the field?

Track Inspectors often work in varying weather conditions and must be prepared for physically demanding tasks such as walking long distances along railway lines and lifting heavy equipment. A key challenge is ensuring safety while working near active train tracks, which requires constant vigilance and adherence to strict safety protocols. Additionally, Track Inspectors must accurately identify and report defects or hazards, often under tight deadlines, as their findings directly impact rail service reliability and safety. Collaboration with maintenance crews and engineers is also essential for effective repairs and ongoing track integrity.

What are Track Inspectors?

Track Inspectors are professionals responsible for examining and evaluating railroad tracks to ensure they meet safety and regulatory standards. They look for defects, wear, and any potential hazards that could compromise the safe movement of trains. Their work involves walking along tracks, using specialized equipment, and maintaining detailed records of inspections. Track Inspectors play a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of rail services.

What Is a Track Inspector?

A track inspector examines railroad tracks to make sure the tracks are safe for trains to use. The responsibilities of a track inspector are to maintain detailed records about the condition of railroad tracks and submit maintenance requests when necessary so that train engineers, railroad workers, and passengers can safely travel on the tracks. Other job duties are to drive high-rail trucks along the railroad right of ways, monitor the operation of signal and crossing equipment, and prepare reports. The qualifications you need to become a track inspector may include certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).

What is the difference between Track Inspector vs Track Supervisor?

AspectTrack InspectorTrack Supervisor
CertificationsRailroad certifications, safety trainingSame as Track Inspector, plus supervisory certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site inspections, track maintenance areasOversees multiple crews, field and office settings
Job ResponsibilitiesInspecting track conditions, identifying defectsManaging inspection teams, planning maintenance

While both roles focus on track safety, the Track Inspector primarily conducts inspections and identifies issues, whereas the Track Supervisor manages inspection teams and oversees maintenance operations. The roles are interconnected, with the supervisor overseeing multiple inspectors to ensure track safety and compliance.

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

To thrive as a Track Inspector, you need a solid understanding of railroad track standards, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant vocational training. Familiarity with track inspection tools, rail flaw detection systems, and digital reporting software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help inspectors identify hazards and work effectively with rail crews. These competencies are essential to ensure track integrity, prevent accidents, and maintain safe and efficient rail operations.
What cities are hiring for Track Inspector jobs? Cities with the most Track Inspector job openings:
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What states have the most Track Inspector jobs? States with the most job openings for Track Inspector jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Track Inspector jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Track Inspector jobs are:
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Infographic showing various Track Inspector job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,439 per year, or $28.1 per hour.
Railroad Inspector (Track) (NY HELPS)

Railroad Inspector (Track) (NY HELPS)

New York State

Albany, NY

$56K - $72K/yr

Full-time

Posted yesterday


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 178 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description Duties Description: Inspects railroad tracks, roadbeds, and related structures, such as tunnels, bridges, yards, signals, and other non-moving equipment and structures, to ensure compliance with State or federal law. Conducts hi-rail inspections to determine track alignment, tie condition, and surface conditions. Checks grade crossings for presence and condition of protection devices and warning lights.

Rides trains to determine smoothness of ride on tracks and through curves, switches, crossovers, and Sidings. Conducts walking inspections to determine condition of rails, ties, joint bars, bridge structures and piers, switches, guard rails, and other devices. Prepare reports documenting conditions, noting deficiencies and actions needed to correct them.

Investigates complaints about track and structure condition, ensures that deficiencies are corrected, or refers to higher level staff for corrective action and notifies complainants of findings and corrective actions taken. Investigate accidents, such as derailments or explosions, to assist in determining probable causes and prepare reports of findings. Evaluates rail track capital improvements for safety, effectiveness, and contract compliance.

Will be required to obtain and maintain various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety Programs. The duties of the position require considerable travel within a designated area of assignment. Responsibilities may include serving a role within the Incident Command System to support the department's response to regional and statewide emergency situations.

Minimum Qualifications *Although this position will report to Main Office, the incumbent's assigned territory encompasses Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates counties. Minimum Qualifications: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).* To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are: Open Competitive: Four years of experience in railroad track construction or maintenance

Substitution: Due to Federal Railroad Administration requirements for candidates, a bachelor's degree may substitute for two years of the required experience. Continued employment as a Railroad Inspector (Track) is dependent upon acquisition of various federally mandated certifications pertaining to rail safety programs. Failure to obtain and maintain these certifications may result in termination of employment.

The duties of the position require extensive travel within a designated area of assignment. Appointees must be able to respond to the work requirements of the job in a timely and responsible manner. Individuals who do not live within reasonable proximity of the work assignment will find it extremely difficult to satisfy this condition of employment.

At the time of appointment, and continuously thereafter, you will be required to possess a valid New York State driver's license or otherwise demonstrate the ability to meet the travel requirements of the position. Physical/Medical Requirements: Your physical and medical condition will be evaluated to ensure that you are able to satisfactorily perform the duties of this position with or without reasonable accommodation. A complete statement of the physical and medical standards is available at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/ehs/forms.cfm

A medical examination will be required prior to appointment. Appointees to this position may be required to undergo periodic medical examinations to reassess their ability to perform the essential duties of the position. Candidates may also be qualified for permanent competitive appointment if reachable from the appropriate Civil Service eligible list or be eligible for reassignment or transfer in accordance with Civil Service Law.

Additional Comments Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. *For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date, it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination.

Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in an NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified. Your required educational credentials must have been awarded by an educational institution accredited by a regional, national, or specialized agency recognized as an accrediting agency by the United States (U.S.) Department of Education/Secretary of Education

If awarded by an institution outside of the U.S. and its territories, you must provide independent verification of equivalency. A list of companies that provide these services (fees must be paid to the company you choose) can be found at: http://www.cs.ny.gov/jobseeker/degrees.cfmt The salary range listed reflects the full range for this graded position

For new State employees appointed into graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts. For more salary information please visit https://oer.ny.gov/salary-schedules DOT is an equal opportunity employer

Disabled persons are encouraged to apply. In compliance with Public Law 99-603, candidates selected for appointment must provide an original document to prove their citizenship and/or legal right to work in the United States. Candidates for employment must have proper authorization to work in the United States at the time an offer of employment is made.

The Department will not sponsor a nonimmigrant for a temporary employment visa (H-1B or similar), OPT STEM, or for permanent residence. Offers of permanent employment may not be made to nonimmigrants whose employment authorization is limited to a period of practical training (F-1 or similar). Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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