by Mary P Ivy

Created on: July 05, 2010

Some job seekers may be surprised to learn that some of the best job growth in the US is expected to be in an ‘old economy’ industry: railroads. Several factors account for this expected growth.

Demographics explain part of the demand for new workers. As many current rail workers approach retirement, there will be a number of openings for new workers. Many of these positions offer good pay, great benefits and a private retirement plan. Rail workers do not pay into social security. Rather, they enjoy an exclusive plan that goes back to the 1930s.

A changing economy and energy-related issues also play into the growth of rail jobs. Globalization has led to more long-distance shipping needs and trains are often the most energy-efficient way to move goods across the nation.

There is more good news for jobs seekers considering employment with the railroads. Many of the jobs require only a high school diploma and basic computer skills. Of course, a background check is mandatory and better skills improve the applicant’s chances of being hired. Other skills that help: knowledge of electrical systems, welding, and good communication skills.

One major railroad company, especially for job seekers in the western part of the US is Union Pacific. A brief check of their web site shows openings in many states for a variety of workers. These are good paying jobs, too. While the examples in this article were current openings at the time of writing, similar positions may be available at any time.

In Redding, California there is an opening for a signal maintainer. This position starts at $27.16 an hour and applicants must be 18 years old and capable of doing heavy physical labor. Preference is given to those with training in or who can prove knowledge of electrical systems.

In Fort Worth, Texas an opening for a mechanical service operator begins at $14.66 an hour and requires basic skills with preference given to those who have experience with hand and power tools and electrical/electronic experience.

The UP website is very easy to use and gives complete information of all positions. Prospective employees can search by a variety of categories, including location and openings.

Another useful site for general information on rail jobs is American-Rails.com. While the site is not a job-posting site per se, it does have lots of general information about the types of railroads and nature of many rail jobs. The site provides links to both national and regional rail lines and from there job seekers can follow by individual preferences.

Since the website is not promoting anything actively, it is a good unbiased source and a good starting point as it links to every state in the nation. As the site mentions, most rail workers put in long hours, work unpredictable schedules in all kinds of weather, do physically strenuous work, and are often away from home a great deal of the time. They also receive high pay, great benefits and a secure retirement. Top that off with the allure of the rails and the inescapable fact that some lucky engineers and rail workers spend their days traveling through some of the most remote and spectacular scenery in the nation. Kind of balances out the down sides, doesn’t it? 

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