Rail construction and maintenance operatives lay, re-lay, repair and examine railway track and maintain surrounding areas.

Tasks

  • Fastens together sections of rail by bolting fishplates to rails.
  • Positions lengths of rail, sets of points and crossovers and secures rail with bolts, wooden wedges or clips.
  • Spreads ballast and lays sleepers or metal plates at specified intervals.
  • Lubricates points, examines fences, drains, culverts and embankments and carries out any necessary maintenance.
  • Checks tightness of bolts and wedges, replaces damaged rail chairs and repacks ballast under sleepers if necessary.
  • Patrols length of track and visually inspects rails, bolts, fishplates and chairs for distortion or fracture.

Typical Education Level

Level 2 NVQ; GCSE at grades A*-C

Will retirement created job openings

In the UK, 20% in this profession are aged 55 or above.* They will likely retire in the next 10 years, creating a demand for new workers

*This is based on national data

£30,168 Average wage

Average annual earnings

The current average wage for rail construction or maintenance operative is £30,168

117 positions

Current Employment

The number of jobs in the career for the current year is 117. Job counts include both employed and self-employed persons, and do not distinguish between full- and part-time jobs.

jobs

Job Postings

Over the past year, jobs have been posted for rail construction or maintenance operative roles.

How well does it pay?

Normal pay for this occupation is £30,168 per year. That is about £2,514 per month or £15.47 per hour. New workers generally start on £24,600, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as £55,943

Is it growing or declining?

This career has remained the same over the last 2 years, and is expected to remain the same over the next 4 years. Currently, 117 people are employed in the region.

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