Track mechanic vs ballast cleaning operator

The differences between track mechanics and ballast cleaning operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a track mechanic has an average salary of $170,731, which is higher than the $38,694 average annual salary of a ballast cleaning operator.

Track mechanic vs ballast cleaning operator overview

	Track Mechanic	Ballast Cleaning Operator
Yearly salary	$170,731	$38,694
Hourly rate	$82.08	$18.60
Growth rate	4%	5%
Number of jobs	34,390	39,254
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	Associate Degree, 60%
Average age	49	44
Years of experience	4	-

Track mechanic vs ballast cleaning operator salary

Track mechanics and ballast cleaning operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Track Mechanic	Ballast Cleaning Operator
Average salary	$170,731	$38,694
Salary range	Between $88,000 And $328,000	Between $26,000 And $56,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between track mechanic and ballast cleaning operator education

There are a few differences between a track mechanic and a ballast cleaning operator in terms of educational background:

	Track Mechanic	Ballast Cleaning Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 53%	Associate Degree, 60%
Most common major	General Studies	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Track mechanic vs ballast cleaning operator demographics

Here are the differences between track mechanics' and ballast cleaning operators' demographics:

	Track Mechanic	Ballast Cleaning Operator
Average age	49	44
Gender ratio	Male, 91.4% Female, 8.6%	Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 18.5% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 20.4% Asian, 0.9% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.9%
LGBT Percentage	4%	10%

Differences between track mechanic and ballast cleaning operator duties and responsibilities

Track mechanic example responsibilities.

Conduct PMCS and perform sustainment maintenance in accordance with COSIS standards.
Dismantle and reassemble heavy track vehicle components using hoists and hand tools.
Inspect and troubleshoot track vehicle automotive systems, wheel vehicles and classify equipment.
Practice preventive maintenance with electrical and mechanical equipment to assure combat readiness.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Inspect MHE systems, subsystems and components.

Ballast cleaning operator example responsibilities.

Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Monitor combat missions through satellite and computer global positioning systems in order to prepare accurate reports for unit commanders.
Identify business through analyzing results, sales plan and effectively utilize payroll hours

Track mechanic vs ballast cleaning operator skills

Common track mechanic skills

Track Vehicles, 31%
Diesel Engines, 11%
Electrical Systems, 10%
Field Maintenance, 6%
Combat, 5%
Technical Manuals, 5%

Common ballast cleaning operator skills

Track Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Track Mechanic related careers

Track Mechanic related jobs

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Track Mechanic
Track Mechanic vs Ballast Cleaning Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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