Post job

What does a track worker do?

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
On this page

Track worker responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real track worker resumes:

  • Job duties are to fix wrecks, maintain the karts, and manage the batting cages.
  • Used hoists and cranes to lift work pieces to machines.
  • Adjust controls to activate jacks, tampers, and scraper blades.
  • Operate ballast regulators and tampers.
  • Receive and implement combat orders and direct deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive and retrograde operations.
  • Operate tamping gun, track mobile, dump truck, bulldozer, tamper, speed swing and bobcat.
  • Test mechanical products and equipment after repair or assembly to ensure proper performance and compliance with manufacturers' specifications.

Track worker skills and personality traits

We calculated that 21% of Track Workers are proficient in BARS, Switches, and CDL.

We break down the percentage of Track Workers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • BARS, 21%

    Spray switches, angle bars and joints with oil for lubrication.

  • Switches, 16%

    Operated non-automatic switches to determine that they are in operating condition.

  • CDL, 10%

    Operate class B and class A CDL vehicles in company business.

  • Drill Holes, 10%

    Drill holes through rails for insertions of bolts, using power drills.

  • FRA, 8%

    Complied with Federal Railroad Administration(FRA).

  • Track Components, 8%

    Remove and replace track and track components through ties and rail gangs.

Most track workers use their skills in "bars," "switches," and "cdl" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential track worker responsibilities here:

See the full list of track worker skills

The three companies that hire the most track workers are:

Choose from 10+ customizable track worker resume templates

Build a professional track worker resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your track worker resume.
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume
Track Worker Resume

Compare different track workers

Track worker vs. Maintenance equipment operator

We looked at the average track worker salary and compared it with the wages of a maintenance equipment operator. Generally speaking, maintenance equipment operators are paid $7,170 lower than track workers per year.Even though track workers and maintenance equipment operators are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require cdl, general maintenance, and torches in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, track worker responsibilities require skills like "bars," "switches," "drill holes," and "fra." Meanwhile a typical maintenance equipment operator has skills in areas such as "asphalt," "hand tools," "dump truck," and "mowing." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Maintenance equipment operators really shine in the energy industry with an average salary of $40,911. Comparatively, track workers tend to make the most money in the transportation industry with an average salary of $47,419.On average, maintenance equipment operators reach similar levels of education than track workers. Maintenance equipment operators are 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Track worker vs. Special equipment operator

On average, special equipment operators earn a $1,096 higher salary than track workers a year.

Each career also uses different skills, according to real track worker resumes. While track worker responsibilities can utilize skills like "bars," "switches," "drill holes," and "fra," special equipment operators use skills like "loaders," "production lines," "rf," and "dot."

In general, special equipment operators achieve similar levels of education than track workers. They're 0.6% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Track worker vs. Track equipment operator

An average track equipment operator eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of track workers. The difference in salaries amounts to track equipment operators earning a $1,168 higher average salary than track workers.

Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from track worker resumes include skills like "bars," "switches," "cdl," and "drill holes," whereas a track equipment operator is more likely to list skills in "track maintenance," "loaders," "inspection reports," and "tamping machines. "

When it comes to education, track equipment operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to track workers. In fact, they're 2.3% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Track worker vs. Track grinder operator

Track grinder operators tend to earn a lower pay than track workers by an average of $4,288 per year.While both track workers and track grinder operators complete day-to-day tasks using similar skills like customer service, race track, and bobcat, the two careers vary in some skills.Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A track worker uses "bars," "switches," "cdl," and "drill holes." Track grinder operators are more likely to have duties that require skills in "track safety," "ran," "rail cars," and "go-karts. "In general, track grinder operators hold similar degree levels compared to track workers. Track grinder operators are 2.3% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of track worker

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.

Browse construction and extraction jobs