Track Worker (Railroad)
PrintWork Tasks
RAILROAD TRACK WORKERS lay, repair, and maintain new and old track for railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. They work as part of a crew and perform hard, physical labor outdoors. Railroad track workers repair cracked rails and weak ties. Track workers restore rails for safe and smooth operation of trains. Today, track work is done mostly by machines. Well-repaired tracks prevent trains from going off the track (derailment).
Salary, Size & Growth
- $44,500 average per year ($21.50 per hour)
- A medium occupation (28,500 workers in 2010)
- Expected to grow moderately (1.1% per year)
Entry Requirements
New RAILROAD TRACK WORKERS are usually hired as laborers. Railroads prefer to hire people who can read, write, and do heavy work. A high school diploma or GED certificate may be required. Instructional programs that prepare individuals for machine shop or construction equipment operation will be helpful. Newly hired track workers are usually shown what to do by experienced workers.