Salary for a Track Laborer
Railroad track laborers are responsible for building, inspecting and maintaining railways. They maintain the more than 300,000 miles of railroad track in the United States. Railroad track laborers work in crews and inspect railroad ties for signs of wear and tear. With power equipment like bulldozers and spike driving machines they repair railroad ties. They use small hand tools like power drills from time to time.
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Salary
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The median salary for track laborers in the United States is $19.03 per hour, according to the State University website. Most track laborers are employed by railroad companies. A time of writing employment for railroad workers was expected to decrease through 2014 partially because of the development of more efficient machines that require fewer workers for operation. The majority of railroad track laborers work 40 hours each week. Some railroad track laborers are only employed seasonally and live on unemployment insurance during the months of the year they don't work. Railroad track laborers usually get life insurance, health insurance, retirement plans, sick days and paid vacations from their employers. Some employers provide dental and vision insurance.
Training Requirements
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Individuals that want to work as track laborers do not need a high school diploma, but it may help with acquiring employment.The majority of new track laborers learn on the job, from more experienced track laborers. Holding certification as a welder may help with employment because welding is sometimes a part of railway work.
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Considerations
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Most employers prefer hiring individuals who are at least 18 years of age. In addition, some employers like Union Pacific prefer hiring railroad track laborers with at least two years of welding experience. Many employers also run a background check and require their employees to submit to a drug test. Individuals with families may not enjoy a career as a track laborer as it commonly requires time away from home.
Work Environment
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Railroad track laborers spend the majority of their time outside and may be exposed to extremely harsh conditions such as heavy rain. The job is extremely physically demanding and sometimes railroad track laborers are hurt on the job. Many railroad track laborers travel frequently and live in trailers next to the track that they're working on. These trailers are usually provided to railroad track laborers by the company they work for.
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References
Resources
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