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Union Pacific Railroad Careers

The Union Pacific Railroad (UP), the largest and one of the most powerful railroads in the country has been with us since 1862, some 146 years. The Union Pacific is far older than any other American Class I railroad today with the Kansas City Southern in a nearby second at 107 years (beyond that CSX Transportation ranks in third at 27 years). In that time the railroad has become not only one of the most highly respected institutions in the nation but also has seen nearly every major railroading event in our country’s history, and accordingly has a very long and storied history.

In any event, Union Pacific Railroad careersvary depending on what field you are interested but for the purposes of this site we will stick with, of course, railroading positions, which range from operating the trains themselves to maintaining the track and property.

Class I railroads are in a "league of their own" so to speak in the industry. They are obviously the largest systems nationwide and many people are drawn to work for them over smaller railroads because of the excellent pay and benefits they offer. However, there is a downside. Railroading is tough enough but it is even tougher on Class Is where the hours are extremely long, rest is a luxury and you never know when you will be called out again.

And on that note please let me say that if you are here searching for railroad jobs and have never worked for a railroad or know much about the industry please let me warn you that such a career is not for the faint of heart. Railroading is hard 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! Still, for many the pay, benefits, retirement and general love of the job make it all worthwhile.

If you think you may be interested in a position with UP it operates essentially anywhere west and south of Chicago so if they hire you on expect to be placed along any part of their system. To search for Union Pacific Railroad careers please feel free to use the search box below from Indeed.com, one of the leading online career resource guides.

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Union Pacific Railroad careers, as with all Class Is, 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 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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