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What is a track inspector and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
ScoreTrack InspectorUS Average
Salary
3.2

Avg. Salary $40,437

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity
3.6
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.56%

Asian 5.43%

Black or African American 13.17%

Hispanic or Latino 14.27%

Unknown 7.12%

White 59.45%

Gender

female 5.38%

male 94.62%

Age - 50
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 - 50
Stress level
8.9

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.3

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Track inspector career paths

Key steps to become a track inspector

  1. Explore track inspector education requirements

    Most common track inspector degrees

    High School Diploma

    30.3 %

    Associate

    25.8 %

    Bachelor's

    25.8 %
  2. Start to develop specific track inspector skills

    SkillsPercentages
    CDL19.31%
    Inspection Reports14.81%
    Federal Regulations7.08%
    State Regulations7.08%
    Severe Weather6.32%
  3. Complete relevant track inspector training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New track inspectors 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 track inspector based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real track inspector resumes.
  4. Research track inspector duties and responsibilities

    • Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
    • Perform track inspection on mainline and interlocking tracks, turn outs, and switches.
    • Operate ballast regulators and tampers.
    • Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.
  5. Prepare your track inspector resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your track inspector 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 track inspector resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable track inspector resume templates

    Build a professional track inspector 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 track inspector resume.
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
    Track Inspector Resume
  6. Apply for track inspector jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a track inspector 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 track inspector job

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Average track inspector salary

The average track inspector salary in the United States is $40,437 per year or $19 per hour. Track inspector salaries range between $25,000 and $64,000 per year.

Average track inspector salary
$40,437 Yearly
$19.44 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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