Track Worker (Railroad)

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Work Tasks

• Lay and repair railroad tracks
• Fix cracked rails, weak ties, wash-outs, and other problems
• Use spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties
• Drive spikes into ties and tighten bolts to keep rails in place
• Work outside for railroads, the government, and industries that run their own railroad cars
• Work with railroad tracks, portable grinders, spike pullers, spike drivers, jacks, spikes, ties, fishplates, and other rail parts

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)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: On-the-job training
• Employers Prefer: A high school diploma and able to do heavy work
• Skills/Courses: Courses in applied math, machine shop and construction equipment operation.