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Construction and Trades

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
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Median pay

$67,370
Median annual pay for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1.6%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,100
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

15,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

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Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Monitoring
  3. 3Active Listening
  4. 4Speaking
  5. 5Active Learning
  6. 6Learning Strategies

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Transportation
  2. 2Mechanical
  3. 3Building and Construction
  4. 4Public Safety and Security
  5. 5Administration and Management
  6. 6Engineering and Technology

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Manual Dexterity
  3. 3Multilimb Coordination
  4. 4Arm-Hand Steadiness
  5. 5Far Vision
  6. 6Problem Sensitivity

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Artistic
  5. 5Enterprising
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Stress Tolerance
  5. 5Integrity
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  3. 3Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  4. 4Handling and Moving Objects
  5. 5Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  2. 2Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  5. 5Contact With Others
  6. 6Telephone Conversations

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
  • Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  • Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.

Software and tools

Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Office software · hot technologyTimekeeping software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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