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Train Rail Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Train Rail information

See Tennessee salary details

$18

$23

$27

How much do train rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for train rail in Tennessee is $23.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $24.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a train rail worker?

Train rail workers are professionals responsible for the construction, maintenance, inspection, and repair of railway tracks and related infrastructure. They ensure that railroad tracks are safe and operational by fixing rails, ties, switches, and signals. Some train rail workers also operate specialized machinery to lay new rails or remove old ones. Their work is crucial for the smooth and safe transportation of goods and passengers by train.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a train rail operator?

To thrive as a Train Rail Operator, you need strong mechanical aptitude, attention to safety protocols, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional on-the-job training or certification. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and adherence to Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations are essential. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and decision-making skills help operators manage unexpected events and coordinate with team members. These abilities are vital for ensuring passenger safety, efficient operations, and compliance with strict industry standards.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in train rail operations, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Professionals in train rail operations often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, managing time-sensitive schedules, and communicating effectively with various teams such as dispatchers, maintenance crews, and station staff. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with safety regulations, developing strong attention to detail, and practicing clear, concise communication. Additionally, being adaptable and staying calm under pressure are important traits, as unexpected situations such as delays or technical issues can arise.

What is the difference between Train Rail vs Train Conductor?

AspectTrain RailTrain Conductor
Primary RoleMaintains and inspects railway tracks and infrastructureManages passenger safety, tickets, and train operations
Required CertificationsTrack safety and maintenance certificationsConductor's license and safety training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, maintenance facilitiesOnboard trains, stations, and terminals
Industry UsageRailway companies, infrastructure providersPassenger rail services, transit agencies

While Train Rail focuses on maintaining and inspecting railway infrastructure, Train Conductor handles passenger safety and train operations. Both roles are essential in the railway industry but serve different functions and require distinct certifications.

What are popular job titles related to Train Rail jobs in Tennessee?

For Train Rail jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Train Rail jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Train Rail jobs in Tennessee are:

Train Rail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Train Rail job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,398 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Federal Railroad Administration

Knoxville, TN

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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