Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators run machinery to lay, repair, and maintain railroad tracks. They work on standard or narrow-gauge rails used in regular railroad service, plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. The role includes operating ballast cleaning machines and railroad bed tamping equipment.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves operating specialized track maintenance equipment, inspecting rail conditions, and performing repairs as needed. Operators may spend time ballasting tracks, tamping railroad beds to ensure proper alignment, or cleaning ballast materials. Work occurs both in rail yards and remote locations like quarries and mines. Tasks require attention to safety procedures, equipment maintenance checks, and coordination with other crew members.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
This work suits people who prefer hands-on tasks with concrete, measurable results and who are comfortable following established procedures and guidelines. Success in this role comes naturally to those who are mechanically inclined, detail-oriented, and reliable in execution.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $68,180 | $94,330 | $101,350 | 570 |
| Maryland | $80,290 | $92,030 | $100,490 | 320 |
| New York | $70,070 | $87,150 | $87,150 | 3,590 |
| Virginia | $62,540 | $84,750 | $84,750 | 360 |
| New Mexico | $58,020 | $83,370 | $83,400 | 80 |
| Delaware | $55,230 | $80,610 | $92,150 | 130 |
| Montana | $79,170 | $79,170 | $80,440 | 200 |
| Idaho | $49,390 | $79,020 | $81,820 | 90 |
| Illinois | $63,010 | $78,910 | $83,740 | 1,190 |
| Indiana | $74,730 | $78,020 | $80,560 | 320 |
| Arizona | $54,720 | $76,620 | $82,260 | 170 |
| Michigan | $57,920 | $75,450 | $80,810 | 290 |
All 39 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 47-4061.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.