Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Make?
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators earn a median annual salary of $67,370 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,720 at the 10th percentile to $84,840 at the 90th percentile — a range of $39,120. The highest-paying state is Maryland at $90,410.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,720 |
| 25th percentile | $51,630 |
| Median (50th) | $67,370 |
| 75th percentile | $79,330 |
| 90th percentile | $84,840 |
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Marylandtop | $90,410 |
| Delaware | $86,330 |
| New York | $84,840 |
| Massachusetts | $82,840 |
| Indiana | $79,320 |
| Iowa | $79,240 |
| Illinois | $76,930 |
| Arizona | $75,770 |
| New Mexico | $74,460 |
| Wisconsin | $70,870 |
| Kansas | $69,990 |
| Wyoming | $69,690 |
| Missouri | $69,610 |
| California | $69,260 |
| Arkansas | $68,950 |
| Montana | $67,050 |
| Pennsylvania | $65,120 |
| Washington | $64,950 |
| New Jersey | $64,840 |
| South Dakota | $64,550 |
| Colorado | $63,290 |
| Idaho | $62,810 |
| Utah | $61,520 |
| Tennessee | $61,290 |
| Nevada | $60,960 |
| Florida | $60,860 |
| Georgia | $60,660 |
| Virginia | $60,460 |
| Oregon | $60,380 |
| Texas | $56,040 |
| Alabama | $48,970 |
| Minnesota | $48,490 |
| Kentucky | $47,990 |
| West Virginia | $47,330 |
| Ohio | $47,160 |
| North Carolina | $45,760 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,720 – $51,630 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$67,370 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$79,330 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $84,840+ |
How to Earn More as a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Maryland earn $90,410 — $23,040 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($79,330) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operatorthis career | $67,370 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 47-4061.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.