How much do railroad workers make a month. Railroad Conductor Salaries by State.
How much do railroad workers make a month. Learn about age-based reductions, disability considerations, and the implications of returning to work after retirement. Apr 28, 2010 · Railroad workers should be aware that in addition to retirement annuities based on age and service, the Railroad Retirement Act also provides disability annuities for workers who become totally or occupationally disabled. The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2023 to career rail employees was $4,310 a month, and for all retired rail employees the average was $3,450. Social Security considers early retirement reduction based on birth year. 1. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Alaska is $56,869 or $30 per hour, ranging from $46,601 to $67,189 and $24 to $35. The average estimated annual salary, including base and bonus, at Union Pacific Railroad is $131,641, or $63 per hour, while the estimated median salary is $123,215, or $59 per hour. We’ve identified 11 states where the typical salary for a Railroad Worker job is above the national average. Visit PayScale to research Union Pacific Railroad salaries, bonuses, reviews, benefits, and more! Apr 10, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Worker in United States make? The average salary for a Railroad Worker is $58,581 per year or $28 per hour in United States, which is in line with the national average. March June Sept. Massachusetts beats the national average by 7. Can someone please help me? I feel like this will be Sep 5, 2025 · What disability benefits are payable by the RRB? What are the basic eligibility requirements? Can workers' compensation or public disability benefits affect my railroad retirement benefits? Can I return to work while receiving disability benefits? Aug 7, 2025 · How Much Do Railroad Employees Get Paid A Month? At the end of the fiscal year 2023, the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) reported an average monthly annuity of $4, 310 for career rail employees and $3, 450 for all retired rail employees, compared to an average Social Security retirement benefit of $1, 810. For example, if the earnings needed in the Base Year is $3,325 (2. Visit PayScale to research BNSF Railway Company salaries, bonuses, reviews, benefits, and more! How much is the average railroad pension? The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2022 to career rail employees was $4,020 a month, and for all retired rail employees the average was $3,210. If earnings don’t meet the threshold, other conditions may apply. An employee retiring at a later age or beginning work earlier could be entitled to higher benefits than those shown. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Indiana is $50,142 or $24 per hour, ranging from $41,089 to $59,242 and $20 to $28. 26. Those who were first employed in the rail industry in 2023 must also have at least five months of creditable railroad service in 2023. Insights: Benefits tailored for those starting work at 22, retiring, or passing away at 65. Union Pacific salaries range between $36,000 a year in the bottom 10th percentile to $94,000 in the top 90th percentile. Discussion puts wage data in context with price levels which were definitely affected by the wars. 12. To qualify for unemployment and sickness benefits To get railroad unemployment or sickness benefits, earn at least $4,387. If you find it appealing to get to travel along different routes and enter a career with a Jan 17, 2025 · Railroad workers are eligible for an occupational disability benefit that pays people who can do some work other than their normal railroad duty. How do railroad retirement and social security payroll taxes compare? Railroad retirement payroll taxes, like railroad retirement benefits, are calculated on a two-tier basis. The following questions and answers describe these disability benefits, their requirements, and how to apply for them. What I'm wondering is, do conductors only make $100k+ when they're working 6 days a week, 12 hours a day? Or have high Sep 22, 2021 · If you are unable to work in your regular railroad job, you may qualify for an occupational disability annuity. U. The Railroad Retirement Board is responsible for managing the retirement program. If the employee was not insured under the RRA at the time of death, survivor benefits fall under the jurisdiction of the Social How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Wilson, NC is $51,205 or $24 per hour, ranging from $41,960 to $60,498 and $20 to $28. Nov 13, 2024 · The average salary for BNSF Railway Company employees is $90,496 in 2025. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in California is $57,946 or $31 per hour, ranging from $47,484 to $68,461 and $25 to $36. How do railroad Apr 2, 2025 · This benefit is seldom payable. 540 current and former employees responded to a question about how many paid personal days they received for their role at Union Pacific. Medicare coverage before age 65 is also available for totally disabled employees and those suffering from chronic kidney disease. Jul 1, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Houston,TX is $52,440 or $25 per hour, ranging from $42,972 to $61,957 and $21 to $30. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in North Carolina is $49,924 or $24 per hour, ranging from $40,910 to $58,984 and $20 to $28. You cannot make any money from the Railroad, Union or any entity that pays into Railroad Retirement, or you lose your Annuity for the month. Troubleshooting and repair work is becoming increasingly computerized and complex requiring sophisticated skills and hands-on training. Like social security benefits, some railroad retirement benefit payments are subject to deductions if an annuitant’s earnings exceed certain exempt amounts. Apr 15, 2025 · What Is the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)? The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) is a federal agency that administers retirement, disability, and survivor benefits for U. Oct 15, 2024 · Railroad retirement annuitants subject to earnings restrictions can earn more in 2025 without having their benefits reduced due to increased limits indexed to average national wage increases. 00 per hour for Utility Worker to $35. 3%, and New York furthers that trend with another $3,920 (9. The railroad carman is a freight car mechanic working in the rail transportation industry. Explore Early Retirement Reductions for railroad retirement 20 years of service, understanding how retiring before full retirement age impacts annuities and spousal benefits. Earnings of More Than $1,260 (After Deductions of Disability-Related Expenses) From Any Work - Your annuity cannot be paid for any month you do any work and earn over $1,260 after deduction of disability-related work expenses. 50 in 2022. How do I apply for Social Security benefits as a railroad worker? The average salary for a Railroad is $76,814 per year in United States. Mar 3, 2025 · The Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA), which was signed into law on January 5, 2025, eliminates the reduction previously applied to the railroad retirement annuities or social security benefits of individuals who also receive pensions from work not covered by social security. How do rail transportation worker salaries compare to similar careers? Rail transportation workers earn 6% less than similar careers in the United States. Working on trains carrying freight or people, train conductors may either assist with cargo or ensure that passengers' needs and safety are addressed. Since 2000, the age requirements for some unreduced railroad retirement benefits have been rising just like the social security requirements. The average age retirement benefit being paid under social security was $1,810 a month. S. Mar 6, 2023 · 9. Washington is the highest paying state for Railroad Conductor jobs. Mar 10, 2016 · Disabled railroad workers retiring directly from the railroad industry at the end of fiscal year 2015 were awarded more than $2,820 a month on the average while awards for disabled workers under social security averaged over $1,270. Make informed decisions about your retirement strategy. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Georgia is $50,382 or $24 per hour, ranging from $41,286 to $59,525 and $20 to $29. 48 per hour Careers for Railroad Workers Coal tram drivers Diesel locomotive firers Dinkey drivers Dinkey engine firers Dinkey operators Engine hostlers Freight brake operators Freight conductors Freight engineers Locomotive engineers Locomotive firers Locomotive switch Qualification requirements Benefit year begins every July 1 st, and you must have creditable railroad earnings for the base year. This is compared to the average award of $1,460 per month for disabled workers under social security. Feb 24, 2015 · These lump sums averaged $1,013 in fiscal year 2014. Explore how much Union Pacific employees make through salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, stock, commissions and more. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Tennessee is $49,094 or $24 per hour, ranging from $40,230 to $58,003 and $19 to $28. A railroad retirement annuity is not payable for any month in which you work for a railroad or rail- road labor organization. How much do Railroad Track Worker jobs pay per hour? Average hourly pay for a Railroad Track Worker job in the US is $23. This rule applies to all beneficiaries, including retired employees and their spouses, regardless of age or amount of earnings. Jul 1, 2025 · Also, work by a local lodge or division secretary collecting insurance premiums, regardless of the amount of salary, is considered railroad work, and, therefore, no annuity is payable for any month in which such activity occurs. How much do Railroad Worker jobs pay in Minnesota per hour? The average hourly salary for a Railroad Worker job in Minnesota is $21. How much do Railroad Worker jobs pay in North Carolina per hour? The average hourly salary for a Railroad Worker job in North Carolina is $15. 7 billion annually, according to the group's statistical report. Aug 2, 2024 · Those awarded in fiscal year 2023 averaged $1,975 a month for widowed mothers/fathers and $1,795 a month for children under railroad retirement, compared to $1,180 and $1,040 for widowed mothers/fathers and children, respectively, under social security. Mar 30, 2021 · (Source: Railroad Retirement Board press release, March 30, 2021) CHICAGO — Employers and employees covered by the Railroad Retirement Act pay higher retirement taxes than those covered by the Social Security Act. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Michigan is $51,736 or $25 per hour, ranging from $42,395 to $61,125 and $20 to $29. All earnings must be reported to the RRB and the work must come from an appropriate job with your disability. May 8, 2025 · What are survivor benefits for railroad workers? Survivor benefits are payments made to the family members of a deceased worker. How much does a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make by hour, week, month, and year? Salary. Please note that How much can a train or railroad conductor earn per yer? A train conductor can earn a salary between $14,888 to $150,000+ per year. Compensation varies based on Hello, I was just curious, how much do train conductors get paid each year? I’ve look all over the place, but I get a variety of different answers. 47 an hour. What is the yearly and monthly salary as a Railroad Worker? As of July 01, 2025, the average annual salary is $52,535 (range: $43,050 to $62,068); the average monthly salary is $4,378 (range: $3,588 to $5,172). Since you earn on a per-day basis in the railroad service, you do not receive payment for any day you’re out of work due to sickness, pregnancy, etc. As of 2010, the fund paid out $5. Top 65 Highest Paying States for Railroad Worker Jobs in the U. During repairs and maintenance, you operate heavy equipment, such as hydraulic lifts, mechanical drills, and lathes. Service and earnings for Railroad employees Railroad retirement benefits stem from service and earnings credits. An AGE AND SERVICE ANNUITY can be paid to: ∎ Employees with 30 or more years of creditable service. Top 65 Highest Paying States for Train Engineer Jobs in the U. Salary ranges from $56,574 (10th percentile) to $76,922 (90th percentile), with the majority earning between $60,879 (25th percentile) and $71,530 (75th percentile). Apr 1, 2025 · The average Track Worker salary is $41,641 in the US. Check Form BA-6 to confirm eligibility. The sickness benefits are a way to help you fill in the financial gap since you’re willing to work and earn but, unfortunately, you’re unable to. 4%, and Washington furthers that trend with another $15,364 (13. 4 days ago · Long Island Rail Road work rules governing overtime allowed a train car repair worker to earn 70 hours of pay in a single day and as much as $36,000 in a month, on her way to making more than How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in the United States is $52,731 or $25 per hour, ranging from $43,210 to $62,300 and $21 to $30. The following questions and answers describe how the SSFA impacts the computation of railroad retirement annuities Jul 27, 2017 · The Railroad Retirement Board administers a pension fund whose benefits are payable to railroad employees and their survivors. Average CSX hourly pay ranges from approximately $18. Apr 8, 2008 · I have just been asked some questions about pay rates for railroad workers on the UP and Central Pacific during the construction of the line leading up to the driving of the golden spike. It was created in the 1930s as a separate system for railroad employees, similar to Social Security. Maximum monthly benefit ratea under the Railroad Retirement and Social Security Acts December 2016 and Quarterly for 2017 Program and type of benefit Month in which benefit payments beginb Dec. Jun 1, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Trackman make? The average annual salary of Railroad Trackman in the United States is $79,882 or $38 per hour, ranging from $65,658 to $96,406 and $32 to $46. how much do railroad workers make? In 1907 a Mexican railroad worker named Jesus Garcia saved an entire mining town by jumping onto a burning train loaded with dynamite. How much did railroad workers get paid in the 1800’s? Initially, Chinese employees received wages of $27 and then $30 a month, minus the cost of food and board. 31 an hour. In this career, you work for a railroad company, and your duties usually focus on diesel-powered locomotives. Feb 21, 2024 · The average salary for CSX Corp employees is $94,345 in 2025. The railroad retirement system also provides, under certain conditions, a residual lump-sum death benefit which ensures that a railroad family receives at least as much in benefits as the employee paid in railroad retirement taxes before 1975. The bureau labor of statistics says that they get paid $80k, but Talent says they get paid about $30k. While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $30. 57 per hour. Sep 10, 2025 · When asked about how much of their paid time off people actually used, respondents said 10-20 days. How much does a Rail Worker make? The average annual salary of Rail Worker in the United States is $36,137 or $17 per hour, ranging from $33,191 to $43,250 and $16 to $21. 6 days ago · I am eligible, what do I need to do? UPDATED When can I expect payment? How much will I receive? My railroad retirement annuity is reduced for my entitlement to a social security benefit. How much does a Railroad Worker make by hour, week, month, and year? Salary. At Union Pacific Railroad, the highest paid job is a Director of Sales at $232,624 annually and the . trueSomething I don’t see mentioned a lot is that if you want to make money as a welder you need to view the welding portion as a skill needed to be a competent tradesmen capable of doing complex work as opposed to a trade in and of itself. I know it’s an average, so it takes salaries from the highs and lows and evaluates them. 31 (25th percentile) to $21. How much does a Railroad Worker make in Ohio? As of Sep 12, 2025, the average hourly pay for a Railroad Worker in Ohio is $18. It is rare/impossible to make good money just welding unless you’re an open root pipe pipe welder capable of running multiple Explore how much BNSF Railway employees make through salaries, wages, tips, bonuses, stock, commissions and more. com provides you with accurate and diversified Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. 97 (75th percentile) in Ohio. These earnings restrictions apply to those Dec 18, 2024 · A railroad retirement annuity is not payable for any month in which you work for a railroad or railroad labor organization. How much does an Engineer make at BNSF Railway in the United States? Average BNSF Railway Engineer yearly pay in the United States is approximately $96,401, which meets the national average. 76 and as low as $9. Survivor benefits for families maximum Railroad Retirement benefit starting at $10,033, with incremental increases to $10,588. The following questions and answers show Jul 7, 2022 · How does Railroad Retirement work? Railroad retirement benefits are based on months of service and earnings credits. Types of Railroad Pensions When it comes to Railroad Pensions, one of the most important considerations is the type of pension plan you have. Apr 10, 2025 · How much does a Rail Worker in United States make? The average salary for a Rail Worker is $57,008 per year or $27 per hour in United States, which is in line with the national average. Sep 20, 2020 · This work includes service for more than $24. 5 times the monthly compensation base of $1,330). How Railroad Retirement Program Works Railroad workers contribute to the Railroad Retirement Plan, and the money paid is used to fund the retirement program. 3%) above the How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Texas is $51,242 or $24 per hour, ranging from $41,991 to $60,541 and $20 to $28. 2 days ago · Links to government documents and primary sources listing retail prices for products and services, as well as wages for common occupations. First year of railroad work May 31, 2024 · Find out how much you can get in railroad retirement benefits or railroad disabilty benefits after 10, 20, or 30 years in service. Realizing the fire was spreading, he drove the train in reverse downhill at full-steam for 6km before the dynamite exploded, killing him but sparing the town. Salary range is $5. The large majority of them just see money coming out of their paychecks every pay period with the expectation of getting some sort of benefit when they retire. The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2019 to career rail employees was $3,645 a month, and for all retired rail employees the average was $2,910. To receive an occupational disability annuity, you must: have a current connection with the railroad industry, and; have 240 months of creditable railroad service, or have 120 months of creditable railroad service and be at least age 60, and; be "permanently disabled" for work in Sep 13, 2025 · How much does CSX in the United States pay? The average CSX salary ranges from approximately $54,000 per year for Payroll Specialist to $188,000 per year for Senior Research Scientist. This is the equivalent of $711/week or $3,083/month. You must tell the RRB that you are working. We’ve identified 11 states where the typical salary for a Railroad Worker job is above the national average. The one thing HATE about the system is that, while I can work at WalMart, Home Depot or where ever else, if I work ONE hour on a railroad payroll, I lose my ENTIRE month's benefit, my wife loses that ENTIRE month's spouse benefit, and I lose that month's spouse benefit from her retirement. Employees with 10+ years may qualify for extended benefits. For crews on road trains, it gets to be a much more complicated formula. Does an employee have to relinquish employment rights to receive a disability annuity? No. 81 an hour. Sep 22, 2021 · If you are unable to work in any kind of regular job, you may qualify for a total and permanent disability annuity. Spouse benefits averaged $1,090 a month under railroad retirement compared to $765 2 days ago · War and postwar wages, prices, and hours, 1914-23 and 1939-44 Compares wage rates and hours of work for the WWI and WWII eras, focusing specifically on the manufacturing, mining, railroad, printing and maritime industries, as well as farm labor wages. What do Railroad Workers do? Find out how much Railroad Workers make, what to study, and whether it's the right job for you. Overtime pay begins after the eighth hour on a daily basis — not the normal 40 hours workers in other industries might earn — and is pretty straight forward. A worker’s base-year is generally defined as the calendar year prior to the Jun 14, 2012 · Found a great resource that provides a frame of reference for wages in the last half of the 1800s. This is a governmental system/payroll tax that both Union Pacific and employees pay into over the course of their careers, and is analogous to social security for non-railroad industries. Covered employers include interstate Railroad Retirement Average Tier 2 Monthly Compensation: Based on the highest 60 months of earnings: Gradual progression, reaching $9,323 by Dec ’24. Union Pacific pays $27. Competitive wages take into consideration the difficulty of railroad carman jobs and the high level of responsibility when it comes to protecting the safety of How Much Does a Railroad Engineer Make in the United States ? (2025 Salary Guide) As of September 01, 2025, the average annual salary for Railroad Engineer in the US is $79,869, equivalent to $38 per hour, $1,536 weekly, or $6,656 monthly. Union Pacific employees in Saint Paul, MN get paid the most. 6 days ago · Publications, news releases, and articles about the disability benefit program for railroad employees. How much does Bnsf Railroad in the United States pay? Bnsf Railroad pays its employees an average of $90,375 per year. The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2020 to career rail employees was $3,735 a month, and for all retired rail employees the average was $2,985. And yet, that isn't the norm, is it? I thought the average conductor pay was $50k-60k (not including LIRR). However, the average salary for a train or railroad conductor at BNSF Railway for a railroad conductor is around $77,000/year, followed by Union Pacific with $73,000/year, AmTrak with $71,000/year and CSX Jun 5, 2025 · 1) What are the eligibility requirements for railroad unemployment and sickness benefits in July 2025? To be eligible to receive unemployment or sickness benefits in a benefit year, a railroad worker must have attained a pre-determined level of railroad earnings in their base-year, among other qualifying conditions. What is the average annual salary for a Railroad Conductor job by State? See how much a Railroad Conductor job pays hourly by State. It also pays benefits to people with Feb 14, 2025 · An employee is insured if he or she has at least 10 years of railroad service, or 5 years performed after 1995, and a current connection with the railroad industry as of the month the annuity begins or the month of death, whichever occurs first. Mar 4, 2024 · While railroad employees with less than 30 years of railroad service may retire at age 62, their railroad retirement annuities are subject to early retirement (“age”) reductions if they retire before attaining their full retirement age. 75 to $54. New rail workers need five months of service. Spouse benefits averaged $1,065 a month under railroad retirement compared to $745 Dec 12, 2024 · Work in the Railroad Industry - Your annuity cannot be paid when you work for a railroad or other employer in the railroad industry. These higher rates can be attributed to the additional retirement taxes paid by employers and employees covered under the RRA. 99 in a month to a local lodge or division of a railway labor organization. Forms arrive in June. If a railroad worker passes away, their spouse and children may be eligible for benefits based on the worker’s earnings. Accelerated benefits might The average disability benefits awarded to disabled railroad workers retiring directly from the railroad industry in the fiscal year 2021 was $3,325 per month. Children don't get dependents benefits per se, but families of railroad workers don't receive less in benefits than under Social Security. 11. May 26, 2024 · How much do rail workers make in the US? The average annual salary for rail workers in the United States varies depending on their specific roles, experience, and location. This applies whether it’s continuous railroad employment or 12 months within any 30-month period without other regular work. Even one day counts in a month counts as compensated service. Survivor maximum Railroad Retirement benefit for Widows (er) alone is $6,050 at 65. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Louisville,KY is $49,860 or $24 per hour, ranging from $40,858 to $58,909 and $20 to $28. Oct 16, 2019 · Most railroaders really don’t know the valuable benefit they receive from collecting a Railroad Retirement Annuity. Detailed information employees and compensation by class and occupation group. Salary estimated from 345 past and present job postings on Indeed. Hourly salary range is $18. Jun 3, 2017 · Topics Calculating Railroad Retirement Employee Annuities Benefit Information Railroad Retirement Employee Annuities and Pensions from Work Not Covered by Social Security or Railroad Retirement Tables Benefit Information › Requirements for Railroad Survivor Benefits An employee must have been insured under the Railroad Retirement Act to be eligible for survivor benefits. Earnings are creditable up to certain annual maximums on the amount of compensation subject to railroad retirement taxes. 98 an hour on average. Railroad workers get one credit for each month they work for a railroad employer. Does a worker have to relinquish employment rights to receive a disability annuity? Jul 1, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Virginia is $52,902 or $25 per hour, ranging from $43,351 to $62,503 and $21 to $30. Social Security is a federal program that pays financial benefits to retirees and their families, as well as to children and families of deceased workers. Basic Benefits The Railroad Retirement Board administers retirement/survivor and unemployment/sickness insurance benefits for railroad workers and their families. Earnings count up to set annual maximums on the amount of compensation earned in railroad service. Topping the list is New York, with Washington and Massachusetts close behind in second and third. 51. Service and Taxable Compensation of Railroad Employees by Data covers the years 1963-1976 for jobs covered by the Rail Road Retirement & Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act. 01, the majority of Railroad Worker salaries currently range between $12. There is no age reduction for those who retire with 30 years of railroad service. As a result, railroad retirement benefits are higher than social security benefits, especially for “career” employees (those employees who have 30 or more years of service Benefits are based on an employee who began work on January 1 of the year the employee attained age 22 and either retires or dies at age 65. How much does a Railroad Worker make in Chicago, Illinois? If an employee dies before retiring, railroad service of at least 12 of the 30 months before death satisfies the requirement for survivor benefits purposes. Topping the list is Washington, with District of Columbia and New York close behind in second and third. How much do people at Union Pacific Railroad get paid? See the latest salaries by department and job title. Jul 1, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Illinois is $53,549 or $26 per hour, ranging from $43,880 to $63,266 and $21 to $30. 92 per hour for Signal Maintainer. 5 days ago · Links to government documents and primary sources listing retail prices for products and services, as well as wages for common occupations. It is from the National Bureau of Economic Research: Wages and Earnings in the United States, 1860-1890: Wages by Occupational and Individual Characteristics (update: link was broken; works now; document is downloadable) (Update: Each chapter in the book is downloadable : Wages and Earnings in The Railroad Retirement Act provides disability annuities for railroaders who become totally or occupationally disabled. How much do conductors *actually* make? We all hear how conductors (not to mention engineers) make more than $100k. Medicare coverage before age 65 is also available for totally disabled employees and those suffering from chronic kidney disease, according to the Railroad […] Oct 12, 2009 · Is this perhaps confusing the labor shortage in the 1860's that led to the railroad importing Chinese workers with the high unemployment rate after the crash in 1872 following completion of the Central Pacific? What does "ignore Strobridge sworn testimony" mean? We cite this testimony and provide the text in full. com provides you with accurate and diversified Railroad Worker salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. Employees are insured if they have at least 120 months (10 years) of railroad service or 60 months (5 years) of service performed after 1995. Florida is the lowest paying State for Railroad Conductor jobs. To qualify for a regular Current Connection with the railroad industry, work 12 months in 30 consecutive months before annuity begins. Visit PayScale to research CSX Corp salaries, bonuses, reviews, benefits, and more! How much does a Railroad Operations make in the United States? (2025) As of July 01, 2025, Railroad Operationss in the United States earn an average annual salary of $65,607 with an hourly rate of $32. Employees and spouses, maximum Railroad Retirement benefit for December 2023 is $9,537, increasing to $10,052 in Dec 2024. Engineer jobs at Bnsf Railroad earn the most with an average annual salary of $72,378, while Train Dispatcher jobs earn the least with an average annual salary of $41,525. Apr 25, 2024 · How much does Union Pacific pay? The average Union Pacific salary in the United States is $58,205 per year. How much does a Train Driver make? The average annual salary of Train Driver in the United States is $68,231 or $33 per hour, ranging from $52,055 to $78,865 and $25 to $38. Overview of Railroad Retirement Benefits The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers the Railroad Retirement Program, which is designed specifically for railroad workers. 29 to $43. Mar 26, 2025 · The program pays benefits to workers based on the number of months of service they have as railroad employees and their earnings credits. 62 an hour. Does the SSFA remove the social security benefit reduction applied to my annuity? How will I be able to identify my retroactive payment once it has been made? Sep 3, 2025 · How much does a Union Pacific Railroad employee make on an average/hour in the United States? Union Pacific Railroad employees earn $55,000 annually on average, or $26 per hour. Salaries for the Track Worker will be paid differently by location, company, and other factors. Employee is assumed to retire in the month before the first payment is received. Jan 1, 2025 · How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Kentucky is $48,878 or $23 per hour, ranging from $40,053 to $57,748 and $19 to $28. Dec. We’ve identified 29 states where the typical salary for a Train Engineer job is above the national average. Apr 13, 2025 · The average salary for Union Pacific Railroad employees is $96,541 in 2025. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Minnesota is $53,658 or $26 per hour, ranging from $43,970 to $63,396 and $21 to $30. On average, they make less than freight and cargo inspectors but more than logisticians. For employees with less than 30 years of service and their spouses, full retirement age increases from 65 to 66, and from 66 to 67, at the rate of two months per year over two separate six-year periods. Click the switch button below to see weekly and hourly salary of a Railroad Worker. Railroad Retirement Board. The average salary at Bnsf Railroad range from $79,576 to $102,026 per year. May 17, 2023 · Even railroad workers have options when it comes to retiring: whether they want a one-way ticket to a steady pension or a scenic route with more benefits along the way. The base year determines an eligibility for benefits based on your earnings in the calendar year (July 1 st base year). The average age retirement benefit being paid under social security was approximately $1,650 a month. railroad workers and their families. 50 in calendar year 2023, counting no more than $1,895 for any one month. Credit for a month of service is granted for any compensated railroad service. Railroad Conductor Salaries by State. (If you have less than 120 months of creditable railroad service, your Tier II Median pay: How much do Railroad Workers make? $57,160 Annual Salary $27. New York beats the national average by 9. The average age retirement benefit being paid under social security was approximately $1,505 a month. The average age retirement benefit being paid under social security was approximately $1,460 a month. How do railroad retirement and social security lump-sum death benefit provisions differ? How much do Railroad jobs pay per hour? The average hourly pay for a Railroad job in the US is $31. Mar 30, 2021 · The Railroad Retirement Act also provides supplemental railroad retirement annuities of between $23 and $43 a month, which are payable to employees with railroad service prior to October 1981 who retire directly from the rail industry with 25 or more years of service. Apr 9, 2019 · On Class I railroads, yard crews work a standard day, that is eight hours at an hourly rate. In comparison, the average Social Security retirement benefit at that time was $1,810 a month. The RRB administers retirement benefit payments. 3%) above How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Montana is $49,598 or $24 per hour, ranging from $40,643 to $58,599 and $20 to $28. To receive a total and permanent disability annuity, you must: stop all work, and have 120 months of creditable railroad service, or have at least 60 months of creditable railroad service after 1995. When you retire, whether you have management Oct 28, 2022 · How much does Railroad Retirement Disability pay? According to the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), “The average age annuity being paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2021 to career rail employees was $3,815 a month, and for all retired rail employees the average was $3,045. How does a person get an estimate of, or apply for, survivor benefits? Active or retired railroad employees who are concerned about the benefit amount potentially payable to their survivors can call the RRB toll-free (1-877-772-5772) to request an annuity estimate from the agency’s field service staff. Aug 1, 2024 · Annuity rates under the Railroad Retirement Act (RRA) are generally higher than the benefit rates paid under the Social Security Act, especially for railroad employees who have 30 or more years of creditable railroad service. Top earners have reported making up to $84,367 (90th percentile). Takedown request View complete answer on For instance, the average annuity paid by the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) at the end of fiscal year 2023 for career rail employees was $4,310 a month, while for all retired rail employees, the average was $3,450 a month. 2. How much does a Railroad Worker make? The average annual salary of Railroad Worker in Louisiana is $49,857 or $24 per hour, ranging from $40,855 to $58,904 and $20 to $28. Click here to see the total pay, recent salaries shared and more! Jul 29, 2025 · Using the Railroad Retirement Calculator can help railroad employees better understand and estimate their future retirement benefits. Employees receive one month of credit for every month they work for an eligible railroad employer, regardless of how many days of the month they actually worked. 97 votes, 270 comments. This earnings restriction applies Full or part-time work for a nonrailroad employer in the interval between the end of the last 30-month period including 12 months of railroad service, and the month an employee’s annuity begins, can break a current connection. They work on a team with other railroad workers to ensure the train runs according to its schedule and make any necessary announcements along the way. Widows whose spouses worked for a railroad are eligible to receive benefits thorough this system, which resembles the Social Security Administration in both purpose and To qualify for normal railroad unemployment or sickness benefits, an employee must have railroad earnings of at least $4,737. Geographic location also impacts Union Pacific salaries. 2016 2017 2017 2017 2017 1. kpki dxm aqvopy ble iwly chylp ewhv griecr xepei cletu