Career Voyages Main Banner
You Are Here HOME > Transportation > Railroad  
High Growth Industries
Other Stuff
What's New
Other In-Demand Occupations
Careers Videos
Career Compass
Links
Document Library
InDemand Magazine
O*NET Tools and Technology
Get the Adobe Acrobat Reader
Get the Real Player Plug-In
Get the Windows Media Player Plug-In
Students Parents Career Changers Career Advisors
 
Railroad Railroad Espanol | Print Version Espanol Print Version
 
 
  Explore Different Areas in Transportation
Trucking and Warehousing
  Railroad
  Air
  Water
  Mass Transit
  Scenic Sightseeing
 
  Transportation Videos
 
  Transportation Links
 
  Tools and Technology
 
  STEM Occupations (PDF)
 
Industry Profile IconPDF Industry Profile
Hot Facts IconPDF Hot Facts

For over 100 years Railroad Transportation has moved freight and passengers across tracks that unite the Nation!

Today, this great railroading tradition remains just as vital, and just as central, to the dynamic pulse of the U. S. economy.

Locomotive engineers and operators; railroad brake, signal, and switch operators; railroad conductors, yardmasters, and yard crews - all these career opportunities and more are available in the decade ahead, especially in view of the large number of railroad personnel who are expected to retire.

What does it take to join the railroad transportation industry?

Railroads typically require that applicants for positions have a minimum of a high school diploma or its equivalent. Physical stamina is needed for many entry-level jobs. As a result, employers require job applicants to pass a physical examination, drug and alcohol screening, and criminal background checks.

Train near Shoreline

Because railroads operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, railroad transportation employees share shifts that work round the clock. Rewards, however, match the challenge, as the average pay for many railroad transportation occupations exceeds $20 per hour.

A high proportion of all railroad workers are members of labor unions, with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and United Transportation Union among the most predominant.

Two sites have information on railroads. We highlight the sites and the content we think you'll find useful as you explore your career options in this area of transportation.

For a quick overview of what each site below offers, click the link.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Education and Training in Transportation

Apprenticeship Certifications Community Colleges 4-year Colleges Other Options
Industry Overview In-Demand Occupations

Top of Page


 
 
The White House - President George W. Bush [*]Home | About Us | Contact Us | Privacy & Security | Link To Us | Submit a Link
   Site Map | Promotional Materials | Partnerships | Freedom of Information Act
1-877-US-2JOBS (1-877-872-5627); TTY 1-877-889-5627

The U.S. government's official web portal.
cgi.HTTP_REFERER: http://careervoyages.gov/, session.displaytopsectionyesno: 1yes2 Career Voyages - Brighter Future, Better Pay, Good Jobs Link to Department of Labor Link to Department of Education