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Track Laborer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Track labor hours, material usage, and production goals * Maintain daily reports, timekeeping, and documentation * Mentor journeymen and apprentices to build a high‐performance crew Required ...

Be Seen First

Track labor hours, material usage, and production goals * Maintain daily reports, timekeeping, and documentation * Mentor journeymen and apprentices to build a high‐performance crew Required ...

Track labor costs for assembly builds * Validate projects prior to shipment in coordination with operations * Assist with monthly journal entries to reclassify inventory balances * Support inventory ...

Track labor costs for assembly builds * Validate projects prior to shipment in coordination with operations * Assist with monthly journal entries to reclassify inventory balances * Support inventory ...

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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.
General Labor - 2nd Shift - Waterloo KPR, IA

General Labor - 2nd Shift - Waterloo KPR, IA

Tyson Foods, Inc.

Waterloo, IA • On-site

$15.75 - $19.75/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Tyson Foods rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 517 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

240th of 383 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Job Details:

If you are looking to make an impact in a meaningful way, join us at Tyson Foods where we are feed the world like family!  We create quality products in a safe work environment.  We offer advancement opportunities and steady work. Waterloo KPR produces fully cooked, ready-to-eat products, and operates six days a week (Mon-Sat).   

Benefits Effective Day 1! 

Whether you are seeking a job for right now or a career for forever – Tyson has what you are looking for!  Tyson has a committed track record of promoting from within because we believe our Team Members can grow into the best leaders. 

This job posting is for our 2nd shift with a general work schedule of Monday through Friday, and Saturdays/Sundays as needed, from 2:30 p.m. to approximately 11:00 p.m./midnight.  Please see our other general labor “Waterloo KPR” job postings for other shifts and work schedules. The base rate of pay is $19.70/hour, plus a shift premium of $1.00/hour.  This job is also eligible for overtime pay.  Team members must be willing to work overtime and weekends, as needed.       

Job Responsibilities: 

  • Performs general labor responsibilities in any department (formulation, cook/pack) that includes, but may not be limited to: packaging products; processing rework; filling and labeling combos/boxes; using forklift/pallet jack to move and replace combos/boxes; inspecting product for foreign material; wrapping combos; breaking down combos and taking to trash compactor; adding spice to blenders; taking samples; stacking used pallets; cleaning up product spills; and maintaining a clean work environment. 

  • Adheres to Tyson Foods policies and procedures in the performance of the job while maintaining a safe work environment for self and others, including personal safety and food safety, and reporting known or suspected violations 

  • Reports to work on time, works full work schedule, and works weekends/overtime, as needed 

  • Learns and performs other jobs for cross-training and career development.  

  • Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and thoroughness  

  • Accountable to self and others 

  • Ability to work professionally and respectfully with others while demonstrating positive interpersonal skills 

  • Ability to accurately perform math functions:  addition, subtraction, multiplication, division 

  • Must have flexibility and ability to work at various general labor jobs when needed 

  • Ability to report to work as scheduled and work scheduled hours to meet job expectations, including weekends and overtime, as needed 

  • Ability to use tools (e.g., box knife and metal scraper) 

  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection (plugs or muffs), hair net / beard guard, steel-toed boots, and gloves 

  • Monthly and Annual Training Required Safety, HACCP, and HR topics. LOTO and PIT 

  • Forklift training can be provided. 

  • No experience necessary 

  • Performs other duties as assigned. 

Physical Requirements: The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation  

  • Must be willing and able to lift, carry, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. below waist, at waist level, and above shoulder level   

  • The Team Member will climb up and down stairs to get to/from work areas, and work at elevated levels of various heights 

  • The Team Member will stand (8-12 hours/day), walk, bend, stoop, twist, stretch, climb, push, pull, and reach above, across, and below, and at shoulder level, and perform repetitive motions 

  • The Team Member will work in an environment where extreme temperatures range seasonally from hot/warm (80-90°F) to cold (20-40°F), where conditions may be damp and/or wet, and concrete floors may be slippery in some areas 

  • The Team Member will flex/grip with wrists/hands 

 LOCATION NOT ACCEPTING REHIRES   

Relocation Assistance Eligible:

No

Work Shift:

B Shift (United States of America)

Certain roles at Tyson require background checks. If you are offered a position that requires a background check you will be provided additional documentation to complete once an offer has been extended.

Hourly Applicants ONLY -You must complete the task after submitting your application to provide additional information to be considered for employment.


The successful candidate(s) must be willing and able to perform the physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.


Tyson is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, national origin, color, religion, age, genetics, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.


We provide our team members and their families with paid time off; 401(k) plans; affordable health, life, dental, vision and prescription drug benefits; and more.


If you would like to learn more about your data privacy rights and how you may use that information, please read our Job Applicant Privacy Notice here.


Unsolicited Assistance: Tyson Foods and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited support from external recruitment vendors for open positions within the United States. Any resumes or candidate profiles submitted by recruitment vendors or headhunters to any employee or applicant tracking system at Tyson Foods or its subsidiaries, without a valid written request and search agreement approved by HR, will be considered the property of Tyson Foods. No fees will be paid if the candidate is hired due to an unsolicited referral.


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