How to hire a rail operator

How to hire a rail operator, step by step

Here's a step-by-step rail operator hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a rail operator job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new rail operator
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your rail operator job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a rail operator for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a rail operator to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a rail operator that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of rail operators and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Rail Operator	Description	Hourly rate
   Rail Operator		$12-25
   Operator	Operators are skilled workers who are in charge of working on an industrial machine or a specific aspect of the manufacturing business. They are trained to operate machines, learning how to use them... Show more	$12-25

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • CDL
   • Rail Cars
   • DOT
   • Safety Rules
   • Product Quality
   • Switches
   • Customer Service
   • Mechanical Problems
   • Rail Equipment
   • Transport Passengers
   • Troubleshoot
   • Safety Regulations

   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.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your rail operator job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A rail operator can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, rail operators' average salary in south carolina is 18% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level rail operators 54% less than senior-level rail operators.
   • Certifications. A rail operator with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a rail operator's salary.

   Average rail operator salary

   $37,389yearly

   $17.98 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level rail operator salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a rail operator job description

   A rail operator job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a rail operator job description:

   Rail operator job description example

   Job Purpose
   
   SIGN ON BONUS - $2,000 GROSSED-UP AND PAID IN 3 INSTALLMENTS DURING THE FIRST YEAR! Effective for employees who have a start date during the short term bonus program: January 1, 2022 - December 31, 2022.
   
   $1.00 INCREASE AT 90 DAYS (AT CONVERSION AND BENEFITS START ON DAY ONE!)
   
   $$ELIGIBLE FOR QUARTERLY BONUSES$$200-500$$
   
   COMPETITIVE PAY - UP TO $22.50 BY ONE YEAR
   
   (Range $17-$19 depending on position and shift differentials)
   
   $1.50 SHIFT DIFF FOR 2ND SHIFT AND $2.00 SHIFT DIFF FOR 4TH SHIFT
   
   ASK FOR OUR STEP PROGRESSION PROGRAM!!
   
   This position is responsible for the welding and fabrication on steel railroad track components for the manufacturing of crossings and turnouts for the transportation industry.
   
   Company Description
   
   Railroads transport goods and people millions of miles every day. At Progress Rail, we believe in going the distance with them. We are looking for talented and innovative team players to address the challenges of the rail industry today, ensuring success for the future. Build a long-term career with opportunities for growth and advancement as part of a vibrant network of close to 200 global locations. Our innovative team members work together to forge the bridge between ideas and success!
   
   As a Caterpillar company, Progress Rail is an integrated rolling stock and infrastructure provider, delivering a full range of products and services to domestic and international railroad customers. Our customers enjoy one-stop shopping and comprehensive railway solutions - whether it rolls on the rail or is the rail itself. From locomotives, transit, freight cars and engines, to tracks, signals and advanced technology, we ensure customers can count on us to meet their needs.
   
   Learn how we keep our customers rolling by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn, and by visiting progressrail.com.
   
   Education / Training
   
   * HS Diploma or equivalent education and experience.
   
   Key Job Elements
   
   * Operating a finish grinder to polish, grind and glue castings and rail according to specifications as part of the manufacturing process of railroad track and frog assemblies;
   * Use measuring devices to determine accuracy and to mark rail accordingly;
   * Operate overhead cranes;
   * True temp to hire position with an excellent benefit packet;
   * This position is eligible for the Step Progression Program; ask HR for details on your interview;
   * Overtime will be required when needed. This position operates Monday - Thursday 615am to 445pm.
   
   Qualifications and Experience
   
   * Prior machine or grinder experience preferred;
   * Ability to multitask and work with minimal supervision;
   * Must be able to read and write legibly and complete production reports with accuracy;
   * Strong attention to detail with ability to inspect rail using measuring devices;
   * Must be quality oriented and a team player;
   * Must have complete understanding of safe work practices.
   
   EEO
   
   Equal Opportunity Employer - Race/Color/Sex/Religion/National Origin/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/Vets/Disabilities
   
   Benefits
   
   Progress Rail offers an excellent total compensation package,* including competitive salary, paid time off for vacation and holidays, 401(k) plan with company match, medical/dental/vision/life/disability insurance and flexible spending accounts. Relocation assistance may be available for some positions.
   
   * Benefits eligibility differs by job position and employment status - governing plan documents control such benefits.
   
   Job Category
   
   Production - Hourly

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find rail operators for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your rail operator job on Zippia to find and recruit rail operator candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with rail operator candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new rail operator

   Once you've found the rail operator candidate you'd like to hire, it's time to write an offer letter. This should include an explicit job offer that includes the salary and the details of any other perks. Qualified candidates might be looking at multiple positions, so your offer must be competitive if you like the candidate. Also, be prepared for a negotiation stage, as candidates may way want to tweak the details of your initial offer. Once you've settled on these details, you can draft a contract to formalize your agreement.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new rail operator first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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