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What is a rail operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a rail operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.98 an hour? That's $37,389 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 3,100 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreRail OperatorUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $37,389

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
10.0

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.2
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.40%

Asian 6.33%

Black or African American 16.58%

Hispanic or Latino 18.10%

Unknown 4.09%

White 53.50%

Gender

female 18.75%

male 81.25%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.6

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.1

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Rail operator career paths

Key steps to become a rail operator

  1. Explore rail operator education requirements

    Most common rail operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    31.4 %

    Bachelor's

    27.9 %

    Associate

    22.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific rail operator skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL26.84%
    Rail Cars22.45%
    DOT19.61%
    Safety Rules13.00%
    Product Quality9.00%
  3. Complete relevant rail operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New rail operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a rail operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real rail operator resumes.
  4. Research rail operator duties and responsibilities

    • Operate radio system in accordance with set radio protocols and FCC regulations.
    • Regulate trolley speed and inspect trolleys before leaving the yard.
    • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
    • Maintain proper communication with management and frac crews on/off-site.
  5. Prepare your rail operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your rail operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a rail operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable rail operator resume templates

    Build a professional rail operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your rail operator resume.
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
    Rail Operator Resume
  6. Apply for rail operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a rail operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first rail operator job

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Average rail operator salary

The average rail operator salary in the United States is $37,389 per year or $18 per hour. Rail operator salaries range between $25,000 and $54,000 per year.

Average rail operator salary
$37,389 Yearly
$17.98 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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