Rail Maintenance Worker

Your Fit

Income

$73K

Preparation

Some

Growth

1.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Rail Maintenance Worker?

A Rail Maintenance Worker is responsible for the inspection, maintenance, and repair of railroad tracks, bridges, and signaling equipment. This role is vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of rail transport.

Sample job titles:

Track Inspector, Track Laborer, Track Maintainer, Track Repairer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Rail Maintenance Worker.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Rail Maintenance Worker earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Rail Maintenance Worker.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$52K per year	$62K per year	$73K per year	$79K per year	$83K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $7.8K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Rail Maintenance Worker do?

Work environment

Rail Maintenance Workers typically work outdoors on railway tracks and in rail yards. The job involves exposure to all weather conditions and may require night and weekend shifts. It can be physically demanding, requiring lifting, bending, and working in confined spaces. Safety measures are crucial due to the proximity to moving trains and heavy machinery.

Quick task list

Inspects and repairs tracks, ties, and railbeds.
Maintains and repairs signal equipment.
Removes and replaces worn or damaged rail sections.
Uses a variety of hand and power tools.
Ensures compliance with safety regulations and standards.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Track Maintenance: Focusing on the upkeep and repair of tracks, including rails, ties, and ballast.
Signal Maintenance: Specializing in the maintenance and repair of railroad signaling systems.
Bridge Maintenance: Working on the structural integrity and safety of rail bridges.
Welding and Fabrication: Specializing in welding and fabricating metal parts used in rail systems.
Electrical Maintenance: Focusing on the electrical components of the rail system, including power supply and communication lines.

Description

Rail Maintenance Workers play a crucial role in the transportation sector, ensuring that railway systems are safe and operational. The work requires a good understanding of mechanical systems and the ability to perform physically demanding tasks. Workers need to be vigilant, able to identify and address potential hazards or signs of wear in the rail infrastructure. This role often involves teamwork, and effective communication is essential, especially when coordinating maintenance activities and responding to emergencies.

Continuous learning is a key aspect of this occupation, as technology in the rail industry evolves. Workers need to stay updated on the latest safety practices, equipment, and repair techniques. The ability to read and interpret technical documents, such as blueprints and maintenance manuals, is also important.

Career advancement opportunities are available for those who show skill and dedication. With experience and additional training, workers can move into supervisory roles or specialize in areas such as signal maintenance or welding.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the safety and efficiency of vital transportation infrastructure.
The challenge of solving complex mechanical problems.
Opportunities for outdoor work and physical activity.

You might make a good Rail Maintenance Worker if you are...

Mechanically inclined and enjoy working with tools and machinery.
Physically fit and capable of performing demanding tasks in various weather conditions.
Detail-oriented, with a focus on safety and precision.
A team player who communicates effectively and can coordinate with others.
Interested in a career that involves both technical skills and physical labor.

Pros:

Stable employment opportunities in the transportation sector.
Satisfaction from maintaining critical infrastructure.
Opportunities for outdoor work and physical activity.

Cons:

Physically demanding and sometimes hazardous working conditions.
Irregular hours, including nights and weekends.
Exposure to all weather conditions.

How to become a Rail Maintenance Worker

Typical education

Most Rail Maintenance Workers have a high school diploma or equivalent. While formal education beyond high school is not typically required, vocational training or an apprenticeship in rail maintenance can be beneficial. On-the-job training is common in this field.

High school preparation

Courses:

Shop classes or vocational training in mechanics and welding.
Mathematics and physics for understanding mechanical principles.
Technical drawing or CAD classes for blueprint reading.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in team sports to build physical fitness.
Joining robotics or engineering clubs to develop mechanical skills.
Volunteering in community projects that involve construction or mechanical work.

Preparation after high school

Attending a vocational or technical school with a focus on rail systems or heavy machinery.
Seeking apprenticeships or entry-level positions in railway maintenance.
Pursuing certifications in welding, electrical work, or other relevant areas.

More resources

American Public Transportation Association (APTA) - Offers information on careers and training in public transportation.
National Academy of Railroad Sciences (NARS) - Provides education and training for railroad professionals.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) - Offers guidelines and resources for workplace safety in the rail industry.
Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association (REMSA) - A resource for industry news and professional development in railway maintenance and engineering.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.