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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators

Median Salary
67,000
Job Outlook
N/A

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

65%

State and local government

26%

Private not for profit

6%

Self-employed

2%

Federal Government

1%

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$39,030

10%

$67,000

Median

$81,200

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    90%

  • Less than high school

    9%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Low

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Building and Construction
  • Mechanical
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Transportation
  • Mathematics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Decision Making

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.