CDCareer Decision

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in Chicago, IL

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Chicago, IL have a median annual salary of $60,120, with 220 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $51,320 at the 10th percentile to $78,910 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$60,120

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$28.90

Employment

220

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$51,320
10th
$58,920
25th
$60,120
Median
$78,910
75th
$78,910
90th

Local compared with national

Chicago, IL

$60,120

Median annual · 2025

United States

$70,070

Median annual · 2025

The Chicago, IL median is 14.2% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $9,950).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operations MonitoringImportance 3.8
  2. 2.Operation and ControlImportance 3.8
  3. 3.Equipment MaintenanceImportance 3.3
  4. 4.RepairingImportance 3.1
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 3.0
  6. 6.MonitoringImportance 3.0
  7. 7.TroubleshootingImportance 3.0
  8. 8.Quality Control AnalysisImportance 3.0
  9. 9.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.0
  10. 10.Time ManagementImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Critical ThinkingImportance 2.8
  12. 12.CoordinationImportance 2.8

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Timekeeping software

Common tasks

  • Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
  • Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
  • Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
  • Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
  • 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.
  • Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.
  • 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.
  • Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary in other locations

Other occupations in Chicago, IL