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Track Laborer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

As a Track Laborer - Regional, you will play a vital role in the upkeep and enhancement of the tracks within your designated territory. By conducting essential maintenance, repairs, and installations ...

Track Laborer - Regional - Onawa, IA

Onawa, IA · On-site

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

As a Track Laborer - Regional, you will play a vital role in the upkeep and enhancement of the tracks within your designated territory. By conducting essential maintenance, repairs, and installations ...

Laborer

West Des Moines, IA

$16.25 - $21/hr

Perform tasks involving physical labor at construction projects jobsites. Essential Duties & Key ... Track production of completed tasks. * Assist other craft workers in their trades as directed.

Laborer

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Perform physical labor to assist with jobsite clean-up, rough carpentry, site logistics, fencing ... Track production of completed tasks. * Assist other craft workers in their trades as directed.

Track labor, material, equipment, subcontractor costs. * Understand contract terms & risk management. Qualifications: * Degree in Construction, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management, or ...

Track labor, material, equipment, subcontractor costs. * Understand contract terms & risk management. Qualifications: * Degree in Construction, Electrical Engineering, or Construction Management, or ...

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Track Laborer information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$20

$28

How much do track laborer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for track laborer in Iowa is $20.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.51 and $20.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a track laborer?

To become a track laborer, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and physical stamina for manual work. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with tools and safety procedures is important; some positions may require a valid driver's license or certifications such as OSHA safety training.

What do track laborers make?

Track laborers typically earn an average hourly wage between $15 and $25, depending on experience, location, and union membership. They perform tasks such as installing and maintaining railway tracks, often working outdoors with tools like track jacks and ballast regulators. Wages can increase with experience and additional certifications.

What are the duties of a track laborer?

A track laborer is responsible for maintaining and repairing railway tracks, which includes tasks such as replacing ties, aligning rails, and clearing debris. They often operate hand tools and machinery, work outdoors in various weather conditions, and must follow safety protocols to ensure proper track functioning.

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

To excel as a Track Laborer, you need physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, and a high school diploma or GED. Familiarity with track maintenance equipment, hand tools, and safety certifications like OSHA training are commonly required. Teamwork, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you work efficiently and safely with others. These skills ensure the safe, reliable operation and upkeep of railroad tracks, which is vital for transportation safety and efficiency.

What is the difference between Track Laborer vs Track Maintainer?

AspectTrack LaborerTrack Maintainer
CertificationsOSHA safety training, basic construction certificationsOSHA safety training, track-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, rail yards, outdoorRailroads, maintenance yards, outdoor
Job DutiesAssisting with track installation, repairs, and cleanupInspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks

Both roles involve outdoor work in rail environments and require safety training. However, Track Laborers focus more on assisting with construction and installation tasks, while Track Maintainers specialize in ongoing inspection and repair of existing tracks. The roles often overlap but differ mainly in scope and specific responsibilities.

What jobs make 10,000 a month without a degree?

For a track laborer or similar manual labor roles, earning $10,000 a month typically requires extensive experience, specialized skills, or working in high-paying industries such as construction, oil and gas, or transportation. These jobs often involve long hours, physical demands, and sometimes union or contractor-based employment. High earnings without a degree are rare and usually depend on project scope, location, and individual expertise.

What Is a Track Laborer?

A track laborer is a worker who lays track for a railroad. Railroad tracks may be laid for various purposes such as moving materials from a quarry or mine, as part of a commuter or transit rail, or for internal use at shipping yards and depots. As a track laborer, your primary duties are the installation and maintenance of all parts of a railroad track, including laying rails, ties, and spikes. For this career, you need to have experience using specialized equipment like bed tamping machines. Other qualifications for the job include attention to detail, mechanical skills, routine math and engineering knowledge, and physical endurance.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Track Laborer and how does this role contribute to overall railroad safety?

As a Track Laborer, your daily tasks involve inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks, ties, and ballast to ensure trains run safely and efficiently. You’ll work closely with a crew, using hand tools and heavy machinery, often outdoors in varying weather conditions. This role is essential to railroad safety, as your work prevents derailments and service interruptions. Collaboration with supervisors and other maintenance teams is common, and attention to detail is crucial for identifying and addressing potential hazards.

What are track laborers?

Track laborers are workers responsible for building, inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad tracks and related infrastructure. They use various tools and heavy machinery to ensure tracks are safe and in good condition for train operations. The job often involves manual labor outdoors in all weather conditions and may require working nights, weekends, or on-call shifts to address emergency repairs. Track laborers play a vital role in keeping rail transportation running smoothly and safely.
What job categories do people searching Track Laborer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Track Laborer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Track Laborer jobs in IA? For Track Laborer jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Track Laborer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 99% Full Time, and 1% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,233 per year, or $20.3 per hour.
Track Laborer Regional

$32.65/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted yesterday


Union Pacific rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 62 rated delivery companies


Job description

Reference Number:  4527 
Department: Engineering 

Closing Date:  Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.

Rate of Pay: $32.65 / hourly


*Most communications will be done electronically.  Please check email, including spam folders, daily.

If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.

Description

Join a team of track laborers with a record of building and repairing railroad tracks for Union Pacific over 150 years! As a Track Laborer - Regional, you will play a vital role in the upkeep and enhancement of the tracks within your designated territory. By conducting essential maintenance, repairs, and installations, you will ensure the safe and efficient movement of trains, enabling Union Pacific to effectively serve its customers across North America. Join us and become part of a workforce that drives our success. Will you accept the challenge?

Accountabilities
  • Conducting thorough inspections of railroad tracks, track beds, and track right-of-way to identify any problems or defects.
  • Performing necessary repairs and replacements of rails, rail anchors, spikes, ballast, ties, and other components as required.
  • Assisting with the handling, unloading, and movement of track materials and equipment from rail cars, carts, or trucks. This may involve digging holes and trenches.
  • Executing various track maintenance tasks, repairs, and installations, which may involve operating heavy equipment.
  • Maintaining the track beds by removing vegetation and brush when necessary. You will also be responsible for sweeping, picking, and digging out dust or snow from movable track parts.
  • Adhering to company and industry safety rules, practices, and procedures at all times.
  • Building and maintaining positive working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, contractors, and customers. You will also need to effectively handle high-pressure situations.
  • Ensuring strict compliance with all railroad rules and regulations regarding safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
  • Performing any other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Qualifications - Required
  • Applicants must have reached the age of 18 or above.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills to deliver information to coworker(s) and supervisor(s)
  • Experience reading and understanding instructions (examples may include: operating and safety rules, bulletins, special instructions, and federal regulatory documents)
  • To be considered for this position, candidates are required to successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage.  For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
Qualifications - Preferred
  • Possess Commercial Drivers License (CDL) Class A or Class B
  • Experience working outdoors in variable weather conditions (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
  • Experience welding or a welding certificate (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
  • Experience working in a construction-type setting (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
  • Experience operating heavy equipment such as construction, farm, etc. (consider professional, personal, and volunteer experience)
  • Experience of 1 year or more in Railroad Maintenance of Way work
  • Willing to work on-call, overtime, various shifts, 7 days a week, as well as weekends and holidays
  • Have a permanent residence within a 50-mile radious of the hired location by the 60-day probationary period
Physical and Mental Job Requirements
  • Candidates are required to successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being considered for employment.  This is separate from the medical exam.  For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
  • Physically Demanding Tasks: Must have the capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
  • Lifting and Carrying: Must be able to occasionally lift and carry items weighing up to 65 lbs, as well as push and pull objects up to 119 lbs.
  • Standing: Must be capable of standing for extended periods during the workday, with the flexibility to change positions periodically for comfort.
  • Walking: Safely walk and maintain balance on uneven surfaces.
  • Climbing: Must be able to climb ladders to access truck storage as necessary.
Work Conditions
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.
  • Willingness to comply with company policies regarding the use of personal protective equipment, including safety glasses, safety boots, hard hats, and hearing protection.
  • Availability to work at locations where you are willing to reside and perform job duties.
  • Demonstrated commitment to practicing safe work habits.
  • Ability to work in proximity to large equipment, such as railcars, locomotives, and cranes.
  • Frequent travel is a part of the job.
  • Must have reliable transportation.
  • Work may be conducted in various rural and remote geographic areas.

What we offer:

  • A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
  • Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
  • Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

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