Railroad Jobs in Atlanta: Where to Find Them and How to Get Hired

Atlanta is one of the Southeast’s biggest transportation hubs, and railroad jobs are a major part of that. If you live in Atlanta, are thinking about moving here for work, or are exploring transportation careers, the rail industry can offer stable, well‑paid, often unionized jobs with clear paths for advancement.

This guide walks through who’s hiring in Atlanta, common railroad job types, typical requirements and pay expectations, and local resources that can help you get started.

Why Railroad Jobs Matter in Atlanta

Atlanta sits at the crossroads of several major rail lines. Freight trains run in and out of the metro area every day, and passenger service connects the city to other regions.

Because of this, railroad employers in and around Atlanta typically include:

• Major freight railroads (Class I railroads)
• Short line and regional railroads
• Passenger rail/transit systems
• Rail-adjacent employers (maintenance, logistics, intermodal yards, contractors)

For job seekers, that means opportunities ranging from entry-level labor to skilled trades, dispatching, operations, and management.

Major Railroad Employers in the Atlanta Area

You’ll see railroad jobs posted under different names and locations. Here are some of the most relevant employers with operations in or very close to Atlanta.

Class I Freight Railroads

These are the big national carriers. Many freight-rail jobs in metro Atlanta are with:

• Norfolk Southern (NS)

  • Corporate headquarters in Midtown Atlanta
  • Freight yards and operating facilities around the metro area
  • Jobs: conductors, engineers, signal and track maintenance, mechanical, dispatch, IT, corporate roles

• CSX Transportation

  • Freight operations and yards on the western and southern sides of the metro
  • Jobs: conductors, engineers, track laborers, signal maintainers, carmen, yardmasters, clerical/operations support

Both companies frequently list Atlanta, Austell, Fairburn, or other nearby cities as work locations.

Short Line and Regional Railroads

Short line railroads connect local industries to the big carriers. Around Atlanta, you may find jobs with:

• Georgia Northeastern Railroad (serves north of Atlanta region)
• Atlanta & St. Andrews Bay–related or similar regional lines
• Other small operators serving industrial parks, quarries, or manufacturing facilities in the metro area

These jobs can sometimes offer more predictable schedules and smaller crews, but pay and benefits may vary more than with the big carriers.

Passenger Rail & Transit Employers

While Atlanta’s passenger rail network is limited compared to some cities, there are still passenger-related jobs:

• MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority)

  • Heavy rail (subway-style) and light rail operations
  • Jobs: rail operators, rail supervisors, signal technicians, traction power technicians, station agents, inspectors, track workers, mechanics
  • Main offices typically near 2424 Piedmont Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324 and other MARTA facilities

• Amtrak – Atlanta (Peachtree Station)

  • Address: 1688 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30309
  • Limited local staff but roles can include station agents, customer service, mechanical/cleaning, and train crew (though crew bases may be in other cities)

Rail-Related & Intermodal Employers

Even if you’re not directly employed by a railroad, you can work alongside the rail industry:

• Intermodal terminals (loading containers from truck to train and back)
• Logistics and warehousing companies with rail spurs
• Railcar repair shops and contractors
• Construction and engineering firms doing track, bridge, and signal work

Job titles may not always say “railroad,” but if the worksite is a rail yard, terminal, or industrial facility served by rail, the day-to-day work is closely tied to rail operations.

Common Types of Railroad Jobs in Atlanta

Railroad jobs cover a wide range of skills. Below are some of the roles you’re most likely to see advertised around Atlanta.

Train & Yard Operations

1. Freight Conductor / Yard Conductor

• Coordinates train movements, couples/uncouples railcars, uses radios and hand signals
• Works outdoors in all weather, day and night
• Often considered a gateway job that can lead to locomotive engineer positions

2. Locomotive Engineer

• Operates trains according to signals, speed limits, and rules
• Requires Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification and significant training
• Many employers promote conductors into engineer roles

3. Yardmaster / Trainmaster (Supervisory)

• Oversees yard operations, train make-up, and crew assignments
• Typically requires experience as a conductor or similar role

Track, Signal, and Mechanical Jobs

4. Track Laborer / Trackman

• Builds and maintains track: ties, rail, ballast, switches
• Physically demanding, mostly outdoors
• Often involves travel along the line

5. Signal Maintainer / Signal Technician

• Installs and maintains crossing signals, wayside signals, and related electrical systems
• Requires strong electrical/electronics knowledge and on-call availability

6. Car Inspector / Carman

• Inspects and repairs freight cars (brakes, couplers, wheels, doors)
• Combines mechanical skills with safety and inspection knowledge

7. Locomotive Mechanic / Diesel Technician

• Services and repairs locomotives and diesel engines
• Often requires technical school training or strong mechanical background

Office, Dispatch, and Support Roles

8. Train Dispatcher

• Controls train movements over a territory from a centralized office
• High-responsibility job, requires attention to detail and calm under pressure
• Some Class I railroads have dispatchers in or near Atlanta offices

9. Operations & Customer Service

• Manages schedules, shipment tracking, and customer communications
• Works in offices or logistics centers in the metro area

10. Corporate & Professional Roles

• Accounting, HR, IT, engineering, safety, legal, marketing
• Especially common at Norfolk Southern’s Atlanta headquarters and MARTA’s administrative offices

Quick Comparison of Key Railroad Job Types

Typical Requirements for Railroad Jobs in Atlanta

While each employer has its own rules, many railroad jobs here share some common requirements.

Basic Qualifications

Most entry-level railroad positions require:

• High school diploma or GED
• At least 18 years old (21+ for some positions)
• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to pass background checks and drug screening
• Ability to read, write, and follow written rules (safety rules are strict)

For some technical jobs (signals, diesel mechanics, electronics), employers may prefer or require:

• Technical school, trade school, or associate degree
• Documented work experience in a related field

Physical Requirements

Railroad work is often physically demanding. Common expectations include:

• Lifting 50–60 pounds or more
• Climbing onto equipment and walking on uneven ballast
• Working outdoors in heat, cold, and rain
• Working nights, weekends, and holidays
• Being available on call, sometimes with short notice

MARTA and Amtrak also require physical ability for many field jobs, though schedules can sometimes be more regular than long-haul freight.

Safety and Training

Railroads in Atlanta, like elsewhere, are heavily regulated. Expect:

• Intensive safety training before you work independently
• Rule books and written exams
• On-the-job training with a mentor or experienced employee
• Periodic recertification, especially for conductors and engineers

Failure to follow safety rules is taken very seriously and can lead to discipline or termination.

Pay and Benefits: What to Expect

Exact pay varies by employer, job, and union agreements, but common patterns in the Atlanta area include:

• Entry-level operations roles (like freight conductor or MARTA rail operator) often pay higher than many retail or basic warehouse jobs, with potential for overtime.
• Skilled trades (signal maintainers, carmen, diesel mechanics) typically earn competitive hourly wages, especially with experience.
• Locomotive engineers and dispatchers can earn significantly more due to responsibility, required training, and non-standard hours.

Benefits often include:

• Health insurance
• Retirement plans (including Railroad Retirement for most freight rail and Amtrak jobs)
• Paid time off and holidays (though holidays may still be worked in operations roles)
• Union representation for many crafts and positions

For MARTA positions, benefits are typically public-sector style, including pension options and healthcare plans.

How to Find Railroad Jobs in Atlanta

1. Check Major Railroad Career Pages

Most railroad employers post openings on their own sites. Search using terms like:

• “Atlanta”
• Nearby cities: Fairburn, Austell, Gainesville, Lithia Springs, Ellenwood
• Keywords: conductor, track laborer, signal, mechanic, dispatcher, “transportation department”

Even if the job is listed under a suburb, the work is often considered part of the Atlanta metro area.

2. Look for MARTA Rail Careers

MARTA regularly hires for:

• Rail operators
• Track workers
• Signal and communications technicians
• Power/traction maintainers
• Station agents and supervisors

MARTA is a good option if you prefer urban passenger service, local routes, and working within the public transit environment.

3. Explore Short Lines and Contractors

Some smaller railroads and contractors serving the Atlanta region advertise:

• On their own websites
• Via major job boards
• Through local staffing firms for labor positions

Search for terms like “railroad laborer Atlanta,” “track laborer Georgia,” or “railcar repair Atlanta.”

4. Use Job Boards Strategically

On large job boards, try combinations such as:

• “Railroad jobs Atlanta GA”
• “Freight conductor Atlanta”
• “Signal maintainer Georgia”
• “Rail mechanic Atlanta”
• “MARTA rail operator”

Filter by location (within 25–50 miles of Atlanta) to catch suburban rail yards and terminals.

Local Training and Skill-Building Options

You don’t always need a specialized degree to start in rail, but some skills help you stand out in Atlanta’s job market.

Technical and Trade Programs

Consider local community and technical colleges in the metro area that offer:

• Diesel technology
• Industrial maintenance
• Electrical or electronics technology
• Welding or mechanical repair

These programs can make you more competitive for signal, mechanic, and carman roles.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

A CDL isn’t required for most pure rail roles, but it can help for:

• Work trucks that require CDL
• Contractors that combine rail and road work
• Intermodal logistics positions

Several truck driving schools operate in the Atlanta area if you want this additional credential.

Safety and Construction Background

Experience in:

• Construction
• Heavy equipment operation
• Industrial or manufacturing environments

is often valued by railroads, especially for track and mechanical jobs. Highlight this in your resume and applications.

What It’s Really Like Working Railroad Jobs in Atlanta

Before jumping in, it helps to understand the day-to-day realities.

Schedule and Lifestyle

• Irregular hours are common in freight operations
• On-call status means you may have limited control over your free time
• Night, weekend, and holiday work is normal, especially early in your career
• Weather in Atlanta (summer heat, thunderstorms, winter cold snaps) can be challenging for outdoor jobs

MARTA and some passenger roles may offer more predictable schedules, though shifts can still be early, late, or rotating.

Safety Culture

Railroads operate under a strong safety culture:

• Frequent briefings and safety meetings
• Strict rules about cell phone use, PPE, and procedures
• Emphasis on team communication and following instructions

If you prefer structured environments with clear rules, this can be a good fit. If you dislike rules or physical safety procedures, it may be a struggle.

Career Progression

Many Atlanta-area railroad workers build long careers by:

• Starting as a conductor, track laborer, or entry-level mechanic
• Moving into engineer, foreman, roadmaster, signal supervisor, or manager roles over time
• Transitioning into training, safety, or administrative positions after field experience

Railroads often value seniority, so staying with the same employer can open up better jobs and more vacation over the years.

Practical Tips for Landing a Railroad Job in Atlanta

Use these steps to make your search more effective:

1. Decide what environment you want.

   • Outdoor physical labor? Look at track, carman, or conductor roles.
   • Inside/operations? Consider dispatcher, office, or logistics roles.
   • Urban passenger service? Focus on MARTA and Amtrak.

2. Tailor your resume to safety and reliability.

   • Highlight safety training, equipment experience, shift work, and physical labor.
   • Emphasize reliable attendance and ability to work nights/weekends.

3. Prepare for assessments and interviews.

   • Many railroads use aptitude tests, reading comprehension, or situational judgment exams.
   • Be ready to discuss how you handle fatigue, stress, and safety-critical decisions.

4. Be honest about background checks.

   • Railroads routinely check driving records, criminal history, and past employment.
   • Being upfront is usually better than surprises during screening.

5. Watch for hiring events.

   • Large railroads and MARTA occasionally host job fairs or hiring sessions in the Atlanta area.
   • These can speed up the process if you’re prepared with documents and resume.

Helpful Local Contacts and Locations

While application is usually online, it can help to know the main points of rail activity in the city:

• Amtrak – Peachtree Station
  1688 Peachtree St NW
  Atlanta, GA 30309

• MARTA Headquarters / Main Offices (administrative)
  Typically located near:
  2424 Piedmont Rd NE
  Atlanta, GA 30324

• Norfolk Southern – Atlanta Area Facilities
  Various yards and offices in the metro area, plus a central presence in Midtown Atlanta (corporate HQ). Application is generally through the company’s careers portal.

• CSX – Atlanta Region Yards
  Facilities located in and around the west and south sides of the metro (such as near Austell and Fairburn). Job postings specify exact locations.

For exact recruiting contacts and current openings, always refer to the official careers pages or HR phone numbers listed by each organization.

If you’re in Atlanta and interested in stable, skilled work with room to grow, railroad jobs are worth a close look. With the city’s role as a rail hub, there are regular opportunities—from entry-level track and yard roles to advanced technical and operations careers—if you’re ready for the schedule, safety requirements, and physical demands that come with the rail industry.