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Railroad Worker Salary in the United States

How much does a Railroad Worker make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Railroad Worker in the United States is $53,916 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Railroad Worker's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $63,700
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $48,820 to $59,037
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $44,181
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Railroad Worker Salaries

A Railroad Worker's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Railroad Worker Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Railroad Workers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $59,695.
  • California: $59,469.
  • Massachusetts: $58,676.

Top Paying Cities for Railroad Workers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $68,004
  • San Francisco: $67,259
  • Oakland: $65,842

What Skills Can Increase a Railroad Worker's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Dedication (Mentioned in 33.33% Job Postings): Dedication is the quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose. It produce high-quality results for your company and it helps nurture your work ethic and can lead to success.
  • Heavy Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 33.33% Job Postings): Establishing safety procedures to control, handle, and maintain heavy-duty equipment to reduce manual labor and risks of construction operations.
  • Work Ethic (Mentioned in 33.33% Job Postings): A belief that work and diligence have a moral benefit and an inherent ability, virtue or value to strengthen character and individual abilities. A set of values centered on importance of work and manifested by determination or desire to work hard.
Skills Demand Percentage
Dedication 33.33%
Heavy Equipment Operation 33.33%
Work Ethic 33.33%
See More Skills

Railroad Worker Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Railroad Worker salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,916. While startup companies pay approximate $53,916.

Railroad Worker Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $53,916
Growth Stage 51~500 $53,916
Established 501~5000 $53,916
Enterprise 5000+ $53,916

Railroad Worker Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Railroad Worker's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$48,820
Average $53,916/year
$59,037
$4,068
Average $4,493/month
$4,920
$939
Average $1,037/week
$1,135
$23
Average $26/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $59,037 $4,920 $1,135 $28
Average $53,916 $4,493 $1,037 $26
25th Percentile $48,820 $4,068 $939 $23

Railroad Worker Salary Growth & Career Path

Railroad Worker

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Railroad Worker, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Transportation Clerk II $49,365 -8%
Dispatcher II $49,114 -9%

Most common benefits for Railroad Worker

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Find Your Next Railroad Worker Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Railroad Worker job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Railroad Worker

1. Where can a Railroad Worker earn the most?

A Railroad Worker's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Railroad Worker earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Railroad Worker is $68,004.

2. What is the highest pay for Railroad Worker?

The highest pay for Railroad Worker is $63,700.

3. What is the lowest pay for Railroad Worker?

The lowest pay for Railroad Worker is $44,181.

4. What are the responsibilities of Railroad Worker?

Throws track switches within yard of railroad, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location to switch cars for loading, unloading, making up, and breaking up of trains. May be required to complete specific trade school courses and possess necessary certifications. Is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Works under general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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