Rail track maintenance worker | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Rail track maintenance workers inspect and repair railway tracks, bridges, tunnels and viaducts.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
Operate single- or

Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.

Read more about Rail track maintenance worker

Rail track maintenance workers typically work around 45 to 47 hours per week.

As a Rail track maintenance worker you will typically work on shifts on the evenings / weekends / bank holidays.

This occupation tends to be:

Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely

Read more about Rail track maintenance worker

* from ONETonline

Average salary
36,008 GBP *
per year

* data taken from the Office of National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Average salary for Rail track maintenance worker

36,140 GBP

Average salary for full-time Rail track maintenance worker

Showing:

36,008 GBP
36,140 GBP

Salary over time for Rail track maintenance worker

Pay for this role has decreased slightly over time

36,203 GBP
35,029 GBP
32,322 GBP
28,063 GBP
32,098 GBP
34,320 GBP
36,008 GBP
36,536 GBP
28,931 GBP

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Future outlook for Rail track maintenance workers

Balanced outlook

6 000+ jobs available

Fair outlook

-3% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

57% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Rail track maintenance worker and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

90% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
10% of people in this role do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications

You'll need:

knowledge of building and construction
the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
the ability to work well with others
to be thorough and pay attention to detail
to be flexible and open to change
leadership skills
observation and recording skills
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll find it useful to take an engineering qualification at college before looking for work. Relevant courses include:

Level 2 Certificate in Mechanical Engineering
Level 2 Diploma in Maintenance Engineering Technology

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Rail track maintenance worker

Transport & Vehicles

Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Concern for Others Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. Integrity Job requires being honest and ethical.

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Rail track maintenance worker | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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Future outlook for Rail track maintenance workers

Rail track maintenance worker - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Rail track maintenance worker interview

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