{"v":"2026-11-02","dataVersion":"ONET-30.3+BLS-MAY25","code":"47-4061.00","slug":"rail-track-laying-and-maintenance-equipment-operators","title":"Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators","alt":["Track Worker","Track Laborer","Track Layer","Track Mechanic","Track Maintainer","Track Man","Track Walker","Track Welder","Track Dresser","Track Inspector","Track Service Person","Section Hand"],"employment":19580,"wage":{"median":70070,"p25":51280,"p75":81670},"growthPct":1.6,"exposure":17.7,"taskCount":26,"highCount":1,"midCount":0,"lowCount":25,"aeiObserved":0,"fit":{"mix":{"none":84.1,"efficient":11.8,"standard":4.1,"frontier":0},"counts":{"none":22,"efficient":3,"standard":1,"frontier":0},"recommended":"standard","coveragePct":15.9,"addressablePct":15.9},"tasks":[{"t":"Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.","imp":4.5,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials"},{"t":"Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.","imp":4.29,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment"},{"t":"Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.","imp":4.17,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.","imp":4.1,"exp":80,"src":"heuristic","tier":"standard","gwa":"Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials"},{"t":"Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.","imp":4.08,"exp":8,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Operate track wrenches to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.","imp":3.98,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.","imp":3.98,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.","imp":3.96,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.","imp":3.92,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment"},{"t":"Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.","imp":3.92,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.","imp":3.9,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.","imp":3.85,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Performing General Physical 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Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.","imp":3.71,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment"},{"t":"Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.","imp":3.68,"exp":20,"src":"heuristic","tier":"efficient","gwa":"Performing General Physical Activities"},{"t":"Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.","imp":3.67,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.","imp":3.53,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.","imp":3.53,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.","imp":3.52,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Controlling Machines and Processes"},{"t":"Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.","imp":3.45,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.","imp":3.43,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"},{"t":"Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.","imp":3.19,"exp":15,"src":"heuristic","tier":null,"gwa":"Handling and Moving Objects"}],"adjacent":[{"code":"49-9097.00","slug":"signal-and-track-switch-repairers","title":"Signal and Track Switch 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