Where to look for railroad jobs near you

Railroad jobs are posted in a few specific places, and knowing where to search saves time. The largest U.S. railroads — BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak — all post openings on their own career websites. Start there if you know which railroad operates in your region. You can find which ones do by checking the Association of American Railroads' member list or by looking at the tracks and signals near your home.

General job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter also list railroad positions, and you can filter by location and job type. Railroad labor unions — the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), the United Transportation Union (UTU), and the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers (SMART) — sometimes post openings on their websites or direct members to company portals. Local workforce development boards and state labor department websites occasionally list railroad openings too, especially for entry-level or apprenticeship roles.

The Railroad Retirement Board does not post jobs, but its website explains the pension and benefits structure that comes with railroad work, which can help you understand what the job actually offers beyond the salary.

Key Takeaways

  • Railroad companies post jobs on their own career pages, and the five largest carriers (BNSF, Union Pacific, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Amtrak) cover most U.S. routes.
  • Entry-level positions like brakeman, conductor, and locomotive engineer require high school graduation or a GED, but engineer roles require additional training and certification.
  • Railroad jobs typically include union membership, pension plans through the Railroad Retirement Board, and health insurance, though these vary by company and position.
  • Many railroads require you to pass a medical exam, drug test, and background check before hire, and some positions require you to relocate or work on-call schedules.
  • Apprenticeships and training programs exist but are usually only open to people hired by a specific railroad; you cannot complete training before explore.

Common railroad positions and what they involve

A brakeman (also called a brake operator) couples and uncouples cars, inspects brakes, and helps move cars in rail yards. The job is entry-level and requires no prior experience, but it is physically demanding and often involves working nights, weekends, and on-call. Most railroads hire brakemen directly from the general public.

A conductor supervises the train crew, manages switching operations, and communicates with dispatchers. You typically need to work as a brakeman for one to three years before moving into a conductor role, though some railroads have separate conductor-track hiring. Conductors earn more than brakemen and have more stable schedules, though they still work irregular hours.

A locomotive engineer operates the train engine and is responsible for safety and on-time performance. To become an engineer, you must first work as a conductor, then complete a railroad-sponsored training program (usually six months to two years), pass a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) exam, and earn your engineer's license. This is the highest-paid position on the train crew.

Other positions include track workers (who maintain rails and ties), signal maintainers (who repair signaling systems), and dispatchers (who coordinate train movements from an office). Track and signal work often does not require prior railroad experience, while dispatcher roles usually require some years in a train crew position first.

Education and certification requirements

Most entry-level railroad jobs require a high school diploma or GED. Some positions, like track worker roles, may hire people without a diploma if they pass a basic skills test, but this varies by railroad and is becoming less common.

Locomotive engineer positions require an FRA license, which you can only obtain after working as a conductor and completing a railroad training program. The FRA exam covers train dynamics, air brake systems, signals, and safety procedures. You cannot study for this exam independently or take it without railroad sponsorship — it is only available through the railroad that employs you.

Some railroads offer apprenticeships, but these are only open to people already hired by that railroad. You cannot complete an apprenticeship and then explore for a job; the job comes first, then the training. A few community colleges and trade schools offer railroad-related courses in welding, mechanics, and track maintenance, which can make you a stronger candidate but are not required.

Pay, benefits, and work schedules

Railroad jobs are union positions at most major carriers, which means wages are set by contract and tend to be higher than non-union transportation jobs. A brakeman starting wage varies by railroad but typically ranges from $50,000 to $65,000 per year. Conductors earn $70,000 to $90,000, and locomotive engineers earn $90,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on seniority and the railroad. These figures change with each union contract negotiation.

All railroad employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act contribute to a pension plan instead of Social Security. The Railroad Retirement Board administers this system, and your pension is based on years of service and your highest earnings. You also receive health insurance through the railroad, though coverage details vary by company and union agreement.

Railroad work schedules are unpredictable. Train crews work on-call, meaning you may be required to report to work with little notice, sometimes in the middle of the night. You work when trains need to move, not on a fixed 9-to-5 schedule. Some positions, like dispatchers and office staff, have more regular hours. Many railroads require you to be available 24/7 during your on-call period, and you may spend nights away from home if your assignment takes you far from your home terminal.

Medical exams, background checks, and other requirements

Before you are hired, you must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical exam. This exam is more thorough than a standard physical and checks your hearing, vision, blood pressure, and ability to perform safety-sensitive duties. If you have a history of certain medical conditions, sleep disorders, or substance use, you may not pass. The railroad pays for this exam.

You will also undergo a background check that covers criminal history, driving record, and employment history. Most railroads will not hire you if you have felony convictions, though misdemeanors are evaluated case-by-case. A poor driving record can disqualify you from positions that involve operating equipment.

A drug test is standard before hire and random drug testing continues throughout your employment. Some railroads also require a psychological evaluation for certain positions, particularly those involving safety decisions. If you fail any of these screenings, you cannot reapply to that railroad for a set period, often one to two years.

Relocation and seniority systems

Many railroad jobs require you to relocate to a rail yard or terminal where the railroad needs workers. You may not have a choice of location when you are first hired. Some railroads offer relocation information, but this varies. Once hired, you build seniority within your job classification and location, and seniority determines your schedule, route assignments, and pay raises.

The seniority system means that newer employees get the least desirable shifts and routes. If you want to transfer to a different location or job classification, you typically have to start over at the bottom of that seniority list. This system protects long-term employees but can be frustrating for new hires.

Some railroads have hiring freezes or only hire seasonally. If a railroad is not currently hiring in your area, you may need to wait or consider relocating to a region where they are actively recruiting. Checking the career pages of multiple railroads helps you find openings in different parts of the country.

How to prepare your process

Before you explore, gather your Social Security number, driver's license, work history for the past five to ten years, and education records. Have the names and contact information of previous employers and supervisors ready. Some railroads use online applications that ask detailed questions about your work history, so having this information organized saves time.

Read the job description carefully. Different positions have different requirements, and explore for the wrong one wastes time. If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, contact the railroad's human resources department directly — they can tell you whether you should explore.

Be honest on your process and in interviews. Railroads conduct thorough background checks, and any discrepancies between what you say and what they find will disqualify you. If you have a criminal record or gaps in employment, explain them straightforwardly in your process or interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to know someone who works for the railroad to get hired?

No. Railroads hire from the general public and do not require referrals or connections. However, if someone you know works there, they can tell you about the job and the company culture, which can help you decide whether to explore. Some railroads offer small bonuses if a current employee refers someone who is hired, but this does not affect your chances of being selected.

What happens if I fail the medical exam or drug test?

If you fail the medical exam, the railroad will tell you why and may allow you to reapply after a certain period if the condition improves. If you fail the drug test, you are typically disqualified for one to two years before you can reapply. Some railroads have stricter policies than others, so ask about their specific rules before you explore.

Can I work part-time for a railroad?

No. Railroad positions are full-time and require you to be available on-call. There are no part-time train crew jobs. Some office or administrative positions may offer part-time hours, but these are rare and usually only available to current employees transferring from full-time roles.

How long does the hiring process take?

From process to job offer typically takes four to twelve weeks, depending on how many people explore and how quickly you complete the medical exam and background check. Once you are hired, you may start training within a few weeks or wait several months if the railroad is not when ready staffing your location.

What if I have a criminal record?

Felony convictions usually disqualify you from railroad work, particularly if they involve theft, violence, or drug trafficking. Misdemeanors are evaluated individually. Contact the railroad's human resources department to ask whether your specific record would disqualify you before you spend time on an process.