Railroad Police Officer

Also called: Railroad Special Agent, Amtrak Police Officer

Federally commissioned police who protect railroads from theft, trespassing, and crimes on trains.

A day in the life

You might investigate stolen cargo from boxcars, patrol rail yards at night, or work grade-crossing safety campaigns. Amtrak police patrol stations and trains across the country.

Pay over a career

Starting
$55k
Typical
$78k
High
$105k

Estimated.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

Certificate, about 2 years after high school. Police academy training; many railroads want some college or prior police experience.

Ways in: Certification, 2-year college, 4-year college, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.

Majors to look at: Criminal Justice.

Outlook

Growing about average. Small, specialized field.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Low risk for 10 years. Cameras and drones help patrol long lines; investigations, arrests and community work stay human.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Government, PE or fitness, Psychology.

Official data: O*NET occupation 33-3051.

More Rail careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.