Railroad workers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Railroad workers in the United States earn a median salary of $75,680 per year — about $36 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Roughly 78K people work in this occupation nationwide, with projected employment growth of +1%.
Median Salary
$75,680
~$36/hr · ~$6,307/mo
US Jobs
78K
Slower than average
AI & Automation Risk
4/10
Low Risk
AI & Automation Risk
Low Risk 4/10
The occupation involves a significant amount of physical labor, mechanical adjustment, and real-world safety monitoring that AI cannot perform. However, core functions like train operation, scheduling, and signal management are increasingly susceptible to automation and AI-driven efficiency systems, which the BLS notes is already limiting employment growth.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
City-by-city salary data not available for this occupation. Showing national median only.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
10-Year Growth
+1% (Slower than average)
Hourly Rate
~$36/hr
Monthly Income
~$6,307/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)