How much does a railroad track worker make?

In the United States, experienced track workers or those with job-related credentials may earn more than beginners. Pay can also differ by employer or industry, location, and hours worked.

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.

What's a typical day like?

They use machines to lay track, adjust rail alignment, and spread ballast. They may also repair switches, tighten bolts, replace ties, or clear snow and ice from the tracks.

In the U.S., railroad workers typically need a high school diploma or GED and are generally at least 18 to start. New hires learn on the job, and a rail-track technician apprenticeship is another route.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Some U.S. track workers drive machines that automatically move and lay rails over sections of track.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.