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Utah Railroad Jobs

As with almost every other state the largest employers for Utah 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.

Utah railroading is recognized for its historic role in being the site of the completion of our country’s first transcontinental railroad, which took place at Promontory on May 10, 1869 between the meeting of the Union Pacific Railroad and Central Pacific Railroad (today the site is home to the Golden Spike National Historic Site).

History aside, Utah’s traffic has typically been natural resources like coal and copper although with Union Pacific’s main line running through Salt Lake City don’t be surprised to see a little bit of everything traveling through the state! During its height the Beehive State was once home to four Class I railroads although today the state’s trackage is mostly under the control of Union Pacific (with its ownership of the Southern Pacific Railroad, Western Pacific Railroad and Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad) with the rest operated by BNSF Rialway and a few shortlines like the historic Utah Railway.

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 Utah:

Class Is

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

BNSF Railway

Union Pacific

Shortlines and Regionals

Deseret Western Railway

Kennecott Utah Copper

Salt Lake City Southern Railroad

Salt Lake, Garfield and Western Railway

Savage Bingham and Garfield Railroad

Utah Central Railway

Utah Railway

For more information about shortline railroads that serve Utah 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 Utah railroad jobs directly please use the below search box from Indeed.com.

what where
job title, keywords or company
city, state or zip jobs by job search


Utah 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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