Also called: Track Laying Equipment Operator
Builds and repairs railroad tracks using heavy specialized machines.
You run a tamping machine that packs rocks under the ties, replace worn rails, and work through the night so trains can roll at dawn.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. On-the-job training with a railroad or contractor.
Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.
Growing slowly. No separate BLS projection for this specialty; rating is an estimate based on industry trends.
Medium risk for 10 years. Track machines automate more tie and rail work; crews still run equipment and fix track in all weather.
Age 18+. One way to start: Apply to railroads and track contractors; they train new track workers
Classes: Construction CTE, Welding CTE, Algebra.
Official data: O*NET occupation 47-4061.
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