Union vs Non-Union Railroad Track Workers: Pay, Benefits & What to Expect
Going union or staying non-union is a real fork in the road for any railroad track worker. It changes your paycheck, your benefits, your training path, and even how you find work. Here's an honest look at both sides so you can figure out which one fits your situation.
Hourly Rate
$37.50/hr
Annual Salary
$78,000/yr
Benefits Value
$19,000/yr
Pension
Yes
Healthcare
Yes
Apprenticeship
On-the-job training (6-12 months)
Hourly Rate
$30/hr
Annual Salary
$62,400/yr
Benefits Value
Varies by employer
Pension
Rare (401k typical)
Healthcare
Varies
Apprenticeship
2-4 years typical
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for railroad track workers
Union railroad track workers earn $7.50/hr more (25.0% premium)
What Union Railroad Track Workers Earn
Union railroad track workers represented by the BMWED earn an average of $37.50/hr, which works out to roughly $78,000/yr based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. But that number doesn't tell the whole story.
On top of the hourly wage, union contracts typically include a benefits package worth an estimated $19,000/yr. That covers pension contributions, health insurance premiums, annuity funds, and continuing education. When you add it all up, the total compensation package for a union railroad track worker is significantly higher than the hourly rate alone suggests.
Rates vary by local. Big-city locals in places like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco often negotiate rates well above the national average. Rural locals tend to be lower, but still outpace non-union pay in the same area.
What Non-Union Railroad Track Workers Earn
Non-union railroad track workers earn an average of $30/hr, or about $62,400/yr. That's $7.50/hr less than the union average.
The benefits picture is less predictable on the non-union side. Some larger non-union shops offer decent health insurance and 401(k) matching, but smaller outfits may offer minimal benefits or none at all. Pensions are rare outside of union contracts -- most non-union employers offer 401(k) plans where you're largely responsible for your own retirement savings.
That said, non-union work has its advantages. You often have more control over which jobs you take, and there's no waiting at the hall for your next assignment. In markets where union presence is weak, skilled non-union railroad track workers can still command competitive rates, especially with specialized certifications.
Benefits Beyond the Paycheck
The hourly rate difference gets all the attention, but benefits are where the union advantage really shows up. Here's what you're typically looking at:
Defined Benefit Pension
Your employer contributes to a pension fund on your behalf. After enough years of service, you receive guaranteed monthly payments in retirement. This is increasingly rare outside of unions.
Healthcare
Union health plans typically have lower premiums, lower deductibles, and better coverage than what most non-union employers offer. Family coverage is usually included or heavily subsidized.
Apprenticeship Training
Union apprenticeship programs through the BMWED are among the best in the industry. You earn while you learn, and the training is free. Non-union apprenticeships can be good too, but quality varies widely.
The Trade-Offs
Neither path is perfect. Here's an honest look at the pros and cons of each:
Union Pros
- +Higher hourly rates and total compensation
- +Pension and quality healthcare
- +Structured, high-quality training
- +Collective bargaining power
- +Safer job sites (generally)
Union Cons
- -Union dues (2-4% of gross pay)
- -Potential layoffs during slow periods
- -Less control over which jobs you get
- -Jurisdictional work rules
- -May need to travel to where the work is
Non-Union Pros
- +More flexibility in choosing your work
- +Faster hiring process
- +No union dues
- +Easier path to running your own business
- +Broader range of work you can perform
Non-Union Cons
- -Lower hourly rates on average
- -Benefits vary widely (often worse)
- -No guaranteed pension
- -Training quality is inconsistent
- -Less collective bargaining leverage
Which Path Is Right for You?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer here. The best path depends on where you live, what you value, and what stage you're at in your career.
Go union if: you're in a state with strong union presence (think Illinois, New York, California), you value long-term benefits like pensions and quality healthcare, and you want structured, high-quality training. The apprenticeship programs run by the BMWED are some of the best in the business.
Go non-union if: you're in a right-to-work state with limited union presence, you want maximum flexibility in choosing your work and building your career on your own terms, or you're planning to start your own railroad track worker business down the road.
Either way, what matters most is getting quality training, building real skills, and stacking certifications. A great railroad track worker with solid credentials will earn well regardless of union status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Union railroad track workers earn an average of $37.50/hr compared to $30/hr for non-union workers. That's roughly $15,600 more per year before you even factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and training funds.
Yes. Most union railroad track worker contracts include a defined benefit pension plan. Your employer contributes to the pension fund on your behalf, and you receive monthly payments after retirement based on your years of service. This is a significant advantage over most non-union positions, which typically only offer 401(k) plans.
A union railroad track worker apprenticeship through the BMWED typically lasts On-the-job training (6-12 months). During this time you'll earn while you learn, starting at about 40-50% of the journeyman rate and increasing as you progress. The program includes both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
Union membership comes with trade-offs. You'll pay union dues (typically 2-4% of gross pay), may face seasonal layoffs, and have less flexibility in choosing your projects. Hiring goes through the union hall, which can mean waiting for work during slow periods. You're also bound by jurisdictional rules that limit what tasks you can perform.
Yes. Many experienced non-union railroad track workers join the union later in their careers. The process typically involves applying to a local union hall, demonstrating your skills and experience, and possibly completing an abbreviated training program. Your existing experience may count toward your journeyman status.
The BMWED stands for the Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division. It's the primary labor union representing railroad track workers in the United States and Canada. The union negotiates wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of its members and operates apprenticeship training programs.