Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
SOC Code: 47-4061Also known as:
Ballast Cleaning Machine Operator, Emergency Service Restorer, Machine Operator, Maintenance Laborer, Oil Distributor Tender
Median Annual Salary
$67,370
+1.6% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
15K
Current Jobs
What Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators Do
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.
💰 Salary
$67,370
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.6%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
15,000
Projected Employment (2034)
15,300
Related Careers
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$58,710 •
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$52,550 •
-0.4% growth
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$65,170 •
+0.0% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
- Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators:
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
1,131 degrees awarded •
55 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators make?
The median annual salary for rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators is $67,370.
What education do rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators need?
Most rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation.
Is becoming rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators a good career choice?
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators is projected to see +1.6% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators?
Top colleges for aspiring rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators include
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College, State Technical College of Missouri, Indian Capital Technology Center-Muskogee, Pontotoc Technology Center, Buckeye Joint Vocational School.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators?
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators may also be known as: Ballast Cleaning Machine Operator, Emergency Service Restorer, Machine Operator, Maintenance Laborer, Oil Distributor Tender, Portable Grinding Machine Operator, Rail Maintenance Worker, Rail Track Layer, Rail Track Maintainer, Railroad Track Mechanic, Railway Equipment Operator, Section Hand, Section Laborer, Special Equipment Operator, Stone Crusher Operator, Track Dresser, Track Equipment Operator (TEO), Track Grinder Operator, Track Inspector, Track Laborer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.