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Also known as: Ballast Cleaning Machine Operator, Emergency Service Restorer, Machine Operator, Maintenance Laborer
You pull into the rail yard before dawn, the air already thick with a promise of heat. After grabbing a coffee, you head to the morning safety briefing. Foreman Rodriguez outlines today’s work: a section of track needs tamping and regulating near the old industrial park. You double-check your PPE – hard hat, safety glasses, ear protection, steel-toed boots – and then walk over to your assigned machine, a powerful track tamper, performing the required pre-operational checks.
Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.
+1.5%
US average: +3.5%
1,200
per year (US)
17,400
in 2025 → 17,700 (2035)
High school diploma or equivalent
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.
How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.
Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)
The job outlook for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators is stable through 2035, with about 1,200 openings projected each year. The median annual wage is around $70,070. With experience, you can move into roles like Track Team Leader or Railway Maintenance Supervisor.
Career ladder
Often before this role
Where it can lead
$70,070
Median annual wage, BLS 2025
Bachelor's Degree
Minimum educational requirement for this position
Based on job level & field
Construction/Heavy Equipment/Earthmoving Equipment Operation
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Construction Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years
Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mechanics and Repairers, General
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Mobil Crane Operator/Operation
Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years
Installation Technology
Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years