1

Train Brakeman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

You train and mentor co‑workers and may perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake ...

Locomotive Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$27 - $36/hr

You train and mentor coworkers and may perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake ...

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches ... You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling ...

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches ... You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling ...

Locomotive Operator I

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$24 - $32/hr

... a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches ... You may also perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling ...

Showing results 21-26

Train Brakeman information

See salary details

$5

$15

$34

How much do train brakeman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for train brakeman in the United States is $15.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $9.62 and $18.03 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Train Brakeman vs Conductor?

AspectTrain BrakemanConductor
CertificationsRailroad safety and brake system trainingPassenger service, safety, and communication training
Work EnvironmentAlongside train cars, inspecting and applying brakesOnboard train, managing passenger safety and ticketing
Industry UsageFreight and passenger railroadsPassenger rail services
Job FocusInspecting and operating brakes, ensuring safetyPassenger safety, ticketing, and customer service

While both Train Brakemen and Conductors work in the railroad industry, their roles differ significantly. Train Brakemen primarily focus on inspecting and operating train brakes to ensure safety, often working alongside train cars. Conductors manage passenger safety, ticketing, and onboard communication. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path within the rail industry.

How much does a train brakeman make?

A train brakeman typically earns between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often work long hours and need safety certifications and knowledge of train operations. Wages can increase with seniority and additional responsibilities.

What is the job of a train brakeman on a train?

A train brakeman is responsible for assisting with the safe operation of the train, including applying and releasing brakes, inspecting equipment, and helping with switching and coupling cars. The role requires knowledge of safety procedures and often involves working outdoors in various weather conditions. Certification and experience in rail safety are typically required.

What qualifications are needed for a train brakeman?

Train brakemen typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete on-the-job training provided by the railroad company. Physical fitness, good communication skills, and the ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions are also important; some employers may require a valid driver's license and safety certifications.

What cities are hiring for Train Brakeman jobs?

Cities with the most Train Brakeman job openings:

What states have the most Train Brakeman jobs?

States with the most job openings for Train Brakeman jobs include:

Infographic showing various Train Brakeman job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $33,085 per year, or $15.9 per hour.

$27 - $36/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Freeport-McMoRan rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 41 rated mining


Job description

At Freeport-McMoRan, we are committed to providing an employment package that recognizes excellence, encourages safe production and a culture supported by our core values. Here, you’ll find a collaborative environment where safety is a top priority, all opinions are valued, and people are empowered to grow in their career. Apply Today!     

Where You Will Work   

Our Miami smelter and rod plant is nestled just 90 miles east of Phoenix. The smelter processes copper concentrate primarily from our company’s Arizona copper mines and is the most significant source of sulfuric acid for our North American leaching operations. Arizona’s Globe-Miami historic mining district offers natural beauty and a rich mining heritage. The Tri-Town of Globe, Claypool and Miami offers convenient shopping locales, including Walmart, Safeway, Fry’s and other local stores. Here, our employees and their families can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere.  Visit Globe-Miami.com to learn more.

What You Will Do

Safely performs duties related to the operation and minor maintenance of locomotive equipment and railroad tracks at a highly skilled level.

  • In this role, you are responsible for the knowledge and safe performance of procedures for working on or near railroad tracks, including the use of chains and slings and inspection for defects, crossing from one side of a train to the other, Blue Stake procedures, reading blueprints for proper building of switches, and illustrating standard crane signals.
  • As the Locomotive Operator II, you perform track inspections, general track work, flagging trains, opening and closing boxcars, and re‑railing cars after train derailments, and may perform minor track maintenance duties such as lubricating switches and using track wrenches and pneumatic tools to tighten nuts and bolts on railroad tracks.
  • You may load, unload, and cut bands from railroad tie bundles, transport materials, recognize and report defects on equipment and tools, identify and repair defective track switches, and identify and repair defective rail.
  • Duties also include building track panels, handling and laying track sections, operating ballast regulators, performing ballast train dumping operations, operating spot tampers, track maintainers, and crane cars, and operating track drills, track saws, truck‑mounted hoists, backhoes, hi‑rail trucks, boom trucks, forklifts, and hydraulic front‑end loaders.
  • You train and mentor co‑workers and may perform brakeman and switchman duties, including handling, coupling, and uncoupling acid, freight, and concentrate railcars, performing railcar brake inspections, weighing and inspecting railcars, and ensuring proper and safe securing of railcars.
  • You are responsible for the safe movement of freight trains and railcar switching in rail yards, providing clear hand and radio signals to locomotive operators, demonstrating knowledge and safe performance of locomotive horn signals, riding positions, mounting and dismounting moving trains and locomotives, use of hand brakes, proper alignment of railroad track switches, hand and lantern signals, establishing car clearances, crossing over railcars, spotting railcars, connecting multi‑unit locomotive air hoses, performing locomotive engineer duties including the operation of single and multiple unit locomotives, completing pre‑shift equipment inspections, performing minor maintenance and operations support activities, and performing other duties as required.
What You Bring To Freeport
  • Two (2) years of locomotive operating experience.
  • Must have completed academic and practical competencies required (including Line of Progression requirements for internal employees where LOP exists) and have experience demonstrating the required aptitude, with the ability to apply knowledge and skills while passing a written assessment where required.
  • Ability to understand and apply verbal and written work and safety‑related instructions and procedures in English.
  • Ability to communicate in English with respect to job assignments, job procedures, and applicable safety standards.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of railroad track jacks.
  • Knowledge of the proper use and performance of claw bars to move rails and spiking or spacing hammers to insert spikes.
  • Knowledge of locomotive mechanical and electrical functions and locomotive air systems.
Preferred Qualifications
  • High Scool Diploma or GED
  • Railroad Transportation experience
  • Familiar with GCOR rules
  • Familiar with the FRA-DOT
  • Familiar with the ACC (Arizona Corporation Commission) 
  • This position will be Monday-Friday 4pm-12am shift 

What We Offer You 

The estimated pay range for this role is currently $27.00 - $36.00/hour. This range reflects base salary only and does not include bonus payments, benefits or retirement contributions. Actual base pay is determined by experience, qualifications, skills and other job-related factors. This role is eligible for additional discretionary and incentive payment considerations based on company and individual performance. More details will be shared during the hiring process. Click here to view a sample of Total Rewards Estimate for this role.  

  • Affordable medical, dental and vision benefits  
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance  
  • 401(k) plan with employer contribution/match  
  • Paid time off, paid sick time, holiday pay, parental leave  
  • Tuition assistance  
  • Employee Assistance Program  
  • Discounted insurance plans for pet, auto, home and vehicle  
  • Internal progression opportunities  
  • Learn more about our competitive and comprehensive benefits package!  

 What We Require   

  • Candidates may be required to pass a medical exam.  
  • Candidates must pass all required training and/or testing.  
  • Employees may be required to work a non-standard schedule, which may include shift work (other than day shift) at a 24/7, 365-day operation.  
  • Freeport-McMoRan promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment using mandatory pre-employment drug testing and on-going drug and alcohol testing, as allowed by applicable laws.  

 Equal Opportunity Employer  

Please be advised that Freeport-McMoRan will never request payment for job-related expenses from applicants. If you receive any suspicious emails, please disregard them, and report the incident to HRSC@fmi.com. 


What Freeport-McMoRan employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom