Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Railroad Track Equipment Operator
What railroad track equipment operators actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a railroad track equipment operator?
Job briefing. From there, the day usually includes operate track machines, replace ties and rail, and tamp ballast. Long days and weeks away from home are common.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a railroad track equipment operator working full time.
- Job briefing.
- Get track authority.
- Run the tamper.
- Replace ties.
- Lunch on the gang.
- Regulate ballast.
- Clear the track.
Where railroad track equipment operators work
Operators work outdoors on railroad track, often traveling with gangs.
Hours and schedule
Long days and weeks away from home are common.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Operate track machines
- Replace ties and rail
- Tamp ballast
- Drive spikes
- Inspect track
- Maintain machines
- Follow track protection rules
Tools you’ll use every day
- Tampers
- Ballast regulators
- Spike drivers
- Rail saws
- Track gauges
- Radios
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Union pay and benefits
- No degree needed
- Outdoor work
- Average growth
What’s hard
- Travel away from home
- All weather
- Physical work
- Long days
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like outdoor work
- I like heavy machines
- I can travel for weeks
- I’m safety-focused
- I want union pay
- I don’t need a degree
Not sure? Take the free Railroad Track Equipment Operator fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow roadway worker protection
- Use lookouts
- Get track authority
- Wear high-visibility gear