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California Railroad Jobs

As with almost every other state the largest employers for California railroad jobs and positions are the large Class I systems. However, the state also has its share of smaller railroads as well although it is usually much harder to find a position within these companies due to their small size.

If you have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that a career in the field is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is tough work and takes a dedicated breed not only to handle the physical demands required but also the mental fatigue, as working 12-hour, seven-day-a-week shifts is normal (and overtime is mandatory).

While a more predictable work schedule does come with seniority, don’t expect it to happen within a short period of time. Some railroaders wait 20 years or more to land a “9 to 5” workday, which usually consists of working yard or local jobs. There is a reason why railroaders say that railroading becomes a lifestyle, its not just saying! Having said that, if you are able to hire on with a shortline (Class III) or regional (Class II) railroad the opportunity for a more predictable schedule is very likely although the pay is not quite as good. Having said that below is a list of many railroads operating in California:

Class Is

Amtrak (Our nation's intercity passenger rail carrier serves California.)

BNSF Railway

Union Pacific

Shortlines and Regionals

Almanor Railroad

Arizona and California Railroad

California Northern Railroad

Carrizo Gorge Railway

Central California Traction Company

Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad

Lake Railway operates Lake County Railroad

Los Angeles Junction Railway

McCloud Railway

Modesto and Empire Traction Company

Napa Valley Railroad

Oakdale Traction Corporation

Oakland Terminal Railway

Pacific Harbor Line, Inc.

Pacific Sun Railroad

Quincy Railroad

Richmond Pacific Railroad

Sacramento Valley Railroad

San Diego and Imperial Valley Railroad

San Joaquin Valley Railroad

Santa Cruz, Big Trees and Pacific Railway

Santa Maria Valley Railroad

Sierra Northern Railway

Stockton Terminal and Eastern Railroad

Trona Railway

Tulare Valley Railroad

Ventura County Railroad

West Isle Line, Inc.

Yreka Western Railroad

Commuter and Light Rail Transit

Altamont Commuter Express

Bay Area Rapid Transit

California Trolley and Railroad Corporation

Caltrain

Los Angeles County Metro Rail

Market Street Railway

Metrolink

MUNI Metro

Port of Los Angeles Waterfront Red Car Line

Sacramento Regional Transit District

San Diego Coaster

San Diego Trolley

San Francisco MUNI

Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

Sprinter

For more information about shortline railroads that serve California please click here to visit the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association's website. Also, please visit the shortline railroad guide here at the site to learn more about some of the above shortline companies.

Lastly, to search for California railroad jobs directly please use the below search box from Indeed.com.

California railroad jobs, as anywhere else, range from locomotive engineer and conductor to track maintainer and dispatcher. If you are not sure exactly what position you may be interested in please click here to head back to the main jobs to explore which one may be right for you. Also, if a career in railroading is right for you but you would like to learn more about the industry feel free to browse the large selection of books at The Railroad Diamond (to visit the store click the tab in the menu to your left marked "TRD Store"), and if you need or would like help in making a selection please feel free to contact me.

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