Railway Track Workers
Overview
Snapshot
Summary
Railway Track Workers lay and repair tracks for railways, tramways, quarries and mines, and install and repair signals and other equipment.
Specialisations: Track Inspector.
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Railway Track Worker. Some workers have a certificate II or III in rail infrastructure or rail track surfacing.
Tasks
-
spreading and tamping ballast to provide firm foundation for sleepers
-
cutting rails to length and grinding worn and rough rail ends
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placing sleepers across roadbeds, and positioning and fastening rails on sleepers
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drilling bolt holes, and bolting and welding rail sections
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removing and replacing worn and damaged rails, sleepers and switches
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cleaning and lubricating switches
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examining track, lubricating wheel bearings on rolling stock and maintaining switch signal lamps
-
installing and repairing signals and other equipment
-
may assist with the righting of derailed rolling stock
Characteristics
-
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
-
Informal or on-the-job
-
Practical
-
Very Heavy
Outlook
JSA produces employment projections to show where likely future job opportunities may be. The latest data are for the five years from November 2021 to November 2026. Over this period, the number of workers:
- is expected to grow moderately
- is likely to reach 5,000 by 2026.
Source: Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Notes: The number employed includes people who work in this occupation as their main job. People who work in more than one job are counted against the occupation they work the most hours in.
Employment projections figures are rounded to the nearest 100. Calculations based on these rounded figures may result in differences to the numbers that are displayed on this page. Employment projections data (including occupations) can be downloaded from the Employment Projections page.
Number of Workers
Year | Employment |
---|---|
2011 | 5,800 |
2012 | 3,100 |
2013 | 5,800 |
2014 | 3,100 |
2015 | 4,400 |
2016 | 4,700 |
2017 | 4,500 |
2018 | 2,800 |
2019 | 8,700 |
2020 | 4,200 |
2021 | 4,900 |
2026 | 5,000 |
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, ABS seasonally adjusted data to November 2021 and Jobs and Skills Australia Employment Projections to 2026.
Earnings and hours
Working arrangements
-
Around 90% of people employed as Railway Track Workers work full-time hours, in all their jobs combined. This is 24 percentage points above the all jobs average (66%).
Full-time workers work an average of 49 hours per week in their main job. This is 5 hours more than the all jobs average (44 hours per week).
Median full-time earnings are $2,252 per week, this is much higher than the all jobs median ($1,593):
- 3 in 4 workers earn more than $2,077
- 1 in 4 earn more than $2,556
Median hourly earnings are $57, this is more than the all jobs median ($41 per hour).
Sources: Full-time share and full-time hours: ABS, 2016 Census, customised report. Compared to the all jobs average. Full-time median earnings and median hourly earnings: ABS, Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021. Compared to all jobs median.
Weekly Earnings (Before Tax)
Earnings | Railway Track Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Full-Time Earnings | 2,252 | 1,593 |
Total Earnings | 0 | 0 |
Source: Based on ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2021, Customised Report. Median weekly total cash earnings for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. Earnings are before tax and include amounts salary sacrificed. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the skills and experience of the worker and the demands of the role. These figures should be used as a guide only, not to determine a wage rate.
Industries
Main industries
-
Railway Track Workers work in industries like:
Source: ABS Labour Force Survey, annual average 2021.
Regions
Employment across Australia
NSW
VIC
QLD
SA
WA
TAS
NT
ACT
Employment by State and Territory (% Share)
State | Railway Track Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
NSW | 34.2 | 31.6 |
VIC | 17.3 | 25.6 |
QLD | 27.9 | 20.0 |
SA | 4.0 | 7.0 |
WA | 15.5 | 10.8 |
TAS | 0.9 | 2.0 |
NT | 0.3 | 1.0 |
ACT | 0.0 | 1.9 |
-
Around 62% of Railway Track Workers live outside of capital cities, compared with the all jobs average of 38%.
Queensland and Western Australia have a large share of employment relative to their population size.
The regions with the largest share of workers are:
- Central Queensland
- Mackay - Isaac - Whitsunday
- Melbourne - West
- Illawarra
- Western Australia - Outback (North).
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Share of workers across Australian states, territories and regions, in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Worker profile
Age and gender
-
The median age of Railway Track Workers is 44 years. This is higher than the all jobs average of 40 years.
A large share of workers are aged 45 to 54 years.
Females make up 4% of the workforce. This is 44 percentage points below the all jobs average of 48%.
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile and gender share compared to the all jobs average.
Age Profile (% Share)
Age Bracket | Railway Track Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
15-19 | 0.8 | 5.0 |
20-24 | 5.2 | 9.3 |
25-34 | 24.4 | 22.9 |
35-44 | 21.5 | 22.0 |
45-54 | 24.6 | 21.6 |
55-59 | 13.8 | 9.0 |
60-64 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
65 and Over | 2.4 | 4.2 |
Median Age | 44 | 40 |
Source: Based on ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Age profile of workers in this job compared to the all jobs average.
Employment Pathways
Education, training and experience
Formal qualifications are not usually required to work as a Railway Track Worker. Some workers have a certificate II or III in rail infrastructure or rail track surfacing.
Visit
- My Skills to compare Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, providers and student outcomes.
- AAPathways website to explore Transport and Logistics Training Package VET training pathways.
Highest Level of Education (% Share)
Type of Qualification | Railway Track Workers | All Jobs Average |
---|---|---|
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate | 1.1 | 10.1 |
Bachelor degree | 2.4 | 21.8 |
Advanced Diploma/Diploma | 5.2 | 11.6 |
Certificate III/IV | 33.6 | 21.1 |
Year 12 | 17.0 | 18.1 |
Year 11 | 8.3 | 4.8 |
Year 10 and below | 32.5 | 12.5 |
Source: ABS Census 2016, Customised Report. Highest qualification completed by workers in this job (in any field of study). Qualifications needed by new workers might be different from the qualifications of workers already in the job.
Skills and Knowledge
Employers look for Railway Track Workers who are motivated and hardworking.
Skills
Skills can be improved through training or experience.
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46%
Operation monitoringWatching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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45%
Operation and controlControlling equipment or systems.
-
45%
Coordination with othersBeing adaptable and coordinating work with other people.
-
43%
Equipment maintenanceMaintaining equipment and deciding what maintenance will be needed in the future.
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43%
TroubleshootingFiguring out why a machine or system went wrong and working out what to do about it.
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43%
Critical thinkingThinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
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43%
Quality control analysisDoing tests and checking products, services, or processes to make sure they are working properly.
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43%
RepairingFixing machines or systems.
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41%
MonitoringKeeping track of how well work is progressing so you can make changes or improvements.
-
39%
Active listeningListening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.
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39%
Judgment and decision makingFiguring out the pros and cons of different options and choosing the best one.
-
39%
Time managementManaging your own and other peoples' time to get work done.
-
37%
InstructingTeaching people how to do something.
-
34%
Complex problem solvingNoticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it.
-
34%
Active learningBeing able to use what you have learnt to solve problems now and again in the future.
-
32%
SpeakingTalking to others.
-
32%
Equipment selectionDeciding on the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
-
32%
Learning strategiesFiguring out the best way to teach or learn something new.
-
30%
Management of personnel resourcesMotivating, developing, and directing people as they work, and choosing the best people for the job.
-
29%
Social perceptivenessUnderstanding why people react the way they do.
Knowledge
These are important topics, subjects or knowledge areas.
-
64%
Building and constructionMaterials, and methods used to construct or repair houses, buildings, or other structures like highways and roads.
-
62%
MechanicalMachines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
-
53%
Engineering and technologyUse engineering, science and technology to design and produce goods and services.
-
47%
TransportationMoving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road.
-
47%
MathematicsArithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics.
-
43%
Public safety and securityUse of equipment, rules and ideas to protect people, data, property, and institutions.
-
42%
Customer and personal serviceUnderstanding customer needs, providing good quality service, and measuring customer satisfaction.
-
42%
Education and trainingCurriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
41%
Administration and managementBusiness principles involved in strategic planning, leadership, and coordinating people and resources.
-
41%
PhysicsThe physical laws of matter, motion and energy, and how they interact through space and time.
-
40%
Production and processingRaw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and ways of making and distributing goods.
-
36%
Technical designDesign techniques, tools, and principles used to make detailed technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
-
33%
GeographyDescribing land, sea, and air, including their physical characteristics, locations, how they work together, and the location of plant, animal, and human life.
-
32%
ChemistryChemical composition, structure, and properties. How chemicals are made, used, mixed, and can change.
-
31%
English languageEnglish language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
26%
Personnel and human resourcesRecruiting and training people, managing pay and other entitlements (like sick leave), and negotiating pay and conditions.
-
25%
ClericalWord processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office work.
-
25%
TelecommunicationsTransmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
-
25%
PsychologyHuman behaviour; differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; research methods; assessing and treating disorders.
-
23%
Law and governmentHow our laws and courts work. Government rules and regulations, and the political system.
Abilities
Workers use these physical and mental abilities..
-
57%
Control precisionQuickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat.
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57%
Multilimb coordinationUse your arms and/or legs at the same time while sitting, standing, or lying down.
-
54%
Far visionSee details that are far away.
-
54%
Static strengthLift, push, pull, or carry things.
-
52%
Reaction timeQuickly move your hand, finger, or foot when a sound, light, picture or something else appears.
-
50%
VisualizationImagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed.
-
48%
Depth perceptionDecide which thing is closer or further away from you, or decide how far away it is.
-
48%
Flexibility of closureSee a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) hidden in other distracting material.
-
46%
Dynamic strengthExercise for a long time without your muscles getting tired.
-
46%
Extent flexibilityBend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
-
46%
Oral comprehensionListen to and understand what people say.
-
45%
Manual dexterityQuickly move your hand to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
-
45%
Perceptual speedUse your eyes to quickly compare groups of letters, numbers, pictures, or other things.
-
45%
Rate controlChange when and how fast you move based on how something else is moving.
-
45%
Auditory attentionPay attention to a certain sound when there are other distracting sounds.
-
43%
Arm-hand steadinessKeep your hand or arm steady.
-
43%
Near visionSee details that are up-close (within a few feet).
-
43%
Problem spottingNotice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong, even if you can't solve the problem.
-
43%
Deductive reasoningUse general rules to find answers or solve problems logically.
-
41%
Finger dexterityPut together small parts with your fingers.
Activities
These are kinds of activities workers regularly do in this job.
-
73%
Handling and moving objectsUsing hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, moving and manipulating objects.
-
69%
Doing physically active workUse your arms, legs and whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling objects.
-
60%
Controlling equipment or machinesOperating machines or processes either directly or using controls (not including computers or vehicles).
-
60%
Making decisions and solving problemsUsing information to work out the best solution and solve problems.
-
58%
Keeping your knowledge up-to-dateKeeping up-to-date with technology and new ideas.
-
58%
Planning and prioritising workDeciding on goals and putting together a detailed plan to get the work done.
-
58%
Monitoring people, processes and thingsChecking objects, actions, or events, and keeping an eye out for problems.
-
57%
Working with mechanical equipmentServicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment.
-
57%
Driving vehicles or equipmentRunning, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving things like forklifts, vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
-
53%
Coordinating the work of a teamGetting members of a group to work together to finish a task.
-
50%
Communicating within a teamGiving information to co-workers by telephone, in writing, or in person.
-
48%
Thinking creativelyUsing your own ideas for developing, designing, or creating something new.
-
48%
Checking for errors or defectsInspecting equipment, structures, or materials for errors, problems or defects.
-
48%
Estimating amounts, costs and resourcesWorking out sizes, distances, amounts, time, costs, resources, or materials needed for a task.
-
46%
Collecting and organising informationCompiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or checking information or data.
-
44%
Checking compliance with standardsDeciding whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
-
44%
Researching and investigatingLooking for, getting and understanding different kinds of information.
-
42%
Looking for changes over timeComparing objects, actions, or events. Looking for differences between them or changes over time.
-
40%
Assessing and evaluating thingsWorking out the value, importance, or quality of things, services or people.
-
37%
Explaining things to peopleHelping people to understand and use information.
Interests and demands
Learn about the daily activities, and physical and social demands faced by workers. Explore the values and work styles that workers rate as most important.
Interests
Interests are the style or type of work we prefer to do. All interest areas are shown below.
-
100%
PracticalPractical, hands-on work. Often with plants and animals, or materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
-
33%
AdministrativeFollowing set procedures and routines. Working with numbers and details more than with ideas, usually following rules.
-
24%
EnterprisingStarting up and carrying out projects. Leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes require risk taking and often deal with business.
-
19%
AnalyticalIdeas and thinking. Searching for facts and figuring out problems in your head.
-
14%
CreativeWorking with forms, designs and patterns. Often need self-expression and can be done without following rules.
-
14%
HelpingWorking with people. Helping or providing service to others.
Values
-
67%
SupportSupportive management that stands behind employees. Workers are treated fairly by their company, they are supported by management, and have supervisors who train them well.
-
52%
RelationshipsServe and work with others. Workers usually get along well with each other, do things to help other people, and are rarely pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
-
48%
IndependenceWork alone and make decisions. Workers are able to try out their own ideas, make decisions on their own, and work with little or no supervision.
-
48%
Working conditionsJob security and good working conditions. There is usually a steady flow of interesting work, and the pay and conditions are generally good.
-
38%
AchievementResults oriented. Workers are able to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment.
-
33%
RecognitionAdvancement and the potential to lead. Workers are recognised for the work that they do, they may give directions and instructions to others, and they are looked up to in their company and their community.
Demands
-
100%
Wear common protective or safety equipmentWear equipment like safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets.
-
99%
Outdoors, exposed to weatherWork outdoors, exposed to the weather.
-
98%
Face-to-face discussionsTalk with people face-to-face.
-
96%
Loud or uncomfortable soundsBe exposed to noises and sounds that are distracting or uncomfortable.
-
91%
Contact with peopleHave contact with people by telephone, face-to-face, or any other way.
-
88%
TelephoneTalk on the telephone.
-
88%
Health and safety of othersTake responsibility for the health and safety of others.
-
88%
Physically close to peopleWork physically close to other people.
-
88%
Very hot or cold temperaturesWork in very hot or cold temperatures.
-
87%
Using your hands to handle, control, or feelSpend time using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls.
-
87%
TeamworkWork with people in a group or team.
-
86%
Dangerous equipmentWork near dangerous equipment like saws, machinery with open moving parts, or moving traffic.
-
83%
In an enclosed vehicle or equipmentWork in a closed vehicle (e.g., car).
-
81%
Unstructured workHave freedom to decide on tasks, priorities, and goals.
-
81%
Lead or coordinate a teamLead others to do work activities.
-
80%
Responsible for outcomesTake responsibility for the results of other people's work.
-
80%
Freedom to make decisionsHave freedom to make decision on your own.
-
79%
Exposure to contaminantsBe exposed to pollutants, gases, dust or odours.
-
79%
Bright or inadequate lightingWork in extremely bright or dark lighting conditions.
-
78%
Being exact or accurateBe very exact or highly accurate.
O*NET is a trademark of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
The skills and importance ratings on this page are derived from the US Department of Labor O*NET Database Version 21.2, 47-4061.00 - Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators.
Links and downloads
Research and reports
The Skills Priority List provides a current labour market rating and a future demand rating for nearly 800 occupations nationally. Current labour market ratings are available for occupations at a state and territory level.
Downloads
-
Occupation profiles data are available for download.
The Employment Projections are available for download.