Did you know that in 2019, an estimated 175,000 people in the US worked in the railroad industry?
If you’ve been looking for a challenging and rewarding career, you can stop your search in its tracks and consider a job with the railroad. Working for the railroad industry comes with lifelong benefits you’re likely unaware of.
Keep reading to learn about the fantastic benefits of working in the railroad industry and make your career move today!
Excellent Retirement Program
One huge benefit of working in the railroad industry is the Railroad Retirement Program. The program began in the 1930s and still provides unemployment, retirement, and sickness benefits to people who spend their careers working in the railroad industry.
You’ll get Social Insurance for railroad workers and automatically enroll in Medicare once you retire. You can receive full retirement benefits at age 60 if you work for the railroad for at least 30 years. Also, if you work for the railroad for at least five years, you’ll receive partial benefits.
Veteran Friendly
Railroad companies support veterans with career options that focus on previous military experience.
Many railroad programs offer hiring programs designed for veterans. You’ll work with a recruitment team that understands your military skills, and you’ll get career choices that align with these skills.
Employees Are Well Paid
In addition to great benefits, you’ll also be paid well at a railroad job. The average yearly salary in 2021 for a railroad worker was $64,150.
Even better, if you train to become a Class 1 freight railroad employee, you can make over $130,000 a year. No matter what you start out doing at a railroad company, you’ll have many opportunities to increase your pay as you go along.
Opportunities to Learn Different Jobs
You have many options for the types of railroad jobs you can pursue. You can become a locomotive engineer and drive both freight and passenger trains. You’ll get on-the-job training to learn how to use the controls, monitor speed, and learn how to watch the tracks for obstructions or oncoming traffic.
Conductors monitor the activities of both the crew and passengers. They’re responsible for checking tickets, accepting payments, and keeping people safe. Other common railroad jobs include:
- Yardmasters take care of shipping materials
- Rail yard engineers move trains that are inside the rail yard
- Brake and switch operators keep trains running safely and maintain track signals
One of the Safest Places to Work
The railroad industry is one of the safest industries to work for in the US. The rate of employee injuries is lower than in other industries like trucking, mining, or construction.
Railroads make sure all their employees receive safety and emergency response training once they’re hired. Safety technology and railroad hazmat training keep railroad safety where it needs to be.
Apply for a Job in the Railroad Industry Today
Now that you know the benefits of working in the railroad industry, you can start the application process today. Remember, you can build a life-long career with the railroad and continue enjoying the benefits long after retiring.
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