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Rail-Track Equipment Operator

Rail-Track Equipment Operator

  • Ideal for those who love working outdoors and hands-on problem-solving.
  • Ensure safe and efficient rail transport by maintaining and repairing tracks.
  • Operate specialized machinery to keep railways running smoothly and safely.
💰 Earn $62K-$82K
📚 High School Diploma or GED

Overview

Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

1,300 in Total

Earnings

$77,240 Med. in CA

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Day-to-Day

  • Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  • Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  • Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
  • Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
  • Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

  • Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

  • Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
  • Coordination
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Management of Personnel Resources

You value 🙏

  • Having support
  • Job security
  • Support
  • Working Conditions
  • Relationships
  • Personal relationships

In Action

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Rail-Track Equipment Operator

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