Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Paying close attention to accuracy, quality, instructions, and small but important details.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Railroad workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several months of on-the-job training. PayThe median annual wage for railroad workers was $78,820 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,100 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Review training, certifications, apprenticeships, or employer-based preparation that may support entry into this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for railroad workers was $78,820 in May 2025. Job Outlook Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,100 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 6,100 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Railroad workers ensure that passenger and freight trains operate safely. They may drive trains, coordinate the activities of the trains, or control signals and switches in the rail yard.
Work Environment
Nearly all railroad workers are employed in the rail transportation industry. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Railroad Worker
Railroad workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several months of on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for railroad workers was $78,820 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,100 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Nearly all railroad workers are employed in the rail transportation industry. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Railroad Worker
Railroad workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and several months of on-the-job training.
Pay
The median annual wage for railroad workers was $78,820 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 1 percent from 2025 to 2035, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 6,100 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for railroad workers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of railroad workers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about railroad workers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.