Working for America’s Railroad isn’t just about punching a clock—it’s about being part of a legacy that’s been connecting communities for over 50 years. If you’ve ever dreamed of a career in rail transportation, Amtrak offers more opportunities than you might think, from conductors and engineers to IT professionals and customer service representatives.
Let me walk you through everything you need to know about building a career with Amtrak, from the application process to the generous benefits package that comes with the job.
Key Takeaways
- Over 20,000 employees work across 500+ destinations in 46 states
- Average compensation: $118,678 annually (including salary and benefits)
- Free rail travel for employees, spouses, and dependents on Amtrak
- 7% 401(k) match plus Railroad Retirement benefits after 5 years
- Multiple career paths available, including entry-level positions
- Apply only through careers.amtrak.com (beware of scams)
What Jobs Are Available at Amtrak?
Is Amtrak hiring right now? Yes, Amtrak consistently recruits across multiple departments nationwide. The company has actually increased its workforce by 22% since the pandemic, now employing over 20,000 people.
Popular Amtrak Career Categories
Railroad Operations
- Conductor (trainee programs available)
- Locomotive Engineer
- Train Attendant
- Station Services
Customer-Facing Roles
- Customer Service Representative
- Reservation/Sales Agent
- Lead Service Attendant
- Ticket Agent
Technical & Skilled Positions
- Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil)
- Information Technology
- Communications & Signals Technician
- Maintenance Workers
Corporate Opportunities
- Project Management
- Human Resources
- Procurement
- Finance & Accounting
Entry-Level & Trainee Programs If you’re just starting out, Amtrak offers entry-level positions and trainee programs designed specifically for people beginning their careers. These roles provide on-the-job training and a clear path for advancement.
How Much Does Amtrak Pay? Salary & Compensation
What is the average Amtrak salary? The average total compensation for Amtrak employees was $118,678 in 2023, which includes both salary and benefits.
Sample Amtrak Pay Rates
| Position | Hourly/Annual Rate | Notes |
| Entry-Level Positions | Varies by role | Training provided |
| Customer Service Rep | Competitive hourly | Starting rates vary by location |
| Conductor | $41.62/hour | Increases per union agreement |
| Train Attendant | Varies | Recent major wage increases |
| Skilled Trades | Market competitive | Based on experience |
| IT Professionals | $70,000-$120,000+ | Depends on specialization |
| Management | $80,000-$150,000+ | Includes performance bonuses |
Note: Actual wages vary by position, location, experience, and collective bargaining agreements
Recent wage increases: Union workers recently secured the largest wage increases in Amtrak history, with cost-of-living adjustments reflecting the 23% increase in the consumer price index since 2019.
Amtrak Employee Benefits: More Than Just a Paycheck
What benefits do Amtrak employees get? Amtrak offers one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the transportation industry.
Health & Insurance Benefits
- Medical, Dental, Vision – Multiple plan options available
- Prescription Drug Coverage – Included with medical plans
- Life Insurance – Employee, spouse, and child coverage
- Flexible Spending Accounts – Health and dependent care options
- Health Savings Account (HSA) – With employer contributions
Real employee feedback: “The health benefits are excellent. I pay $204/month for my family, with $20 copays for regular doctors and $35 for specialists.”
Retirement & Financial Benefits
- Railroad Retirement Benefits – Instead of Social Security (higher benefits)
- 401(k) Plan – 7% employer match
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness – Eligible employer for student loan forgiveness
- Educational Assistance – Financial support for continued education after 6 months
Why Railroad Retirement is better: Federal law provides that railroad employees receive retirement benefits through the Railroad Retirement Tax Act (RRTA), which typically offers higher retirement benefits than standard Social Security.
Travel Perks (The Best Part!)
- Unlimited free rail travel on Amtrak for employees and immediate family
- Companion Pass Program – Bring a guest while traveling
- Service Award Trips – Special trips every 5 years (after 10 years of service)
- Discounts from other travel industry providers
Time Off & Work-Life Balance
- Generous PTO – Vacation days increase with tenure
- 10 paid holidays (for most positions)
- 12 weeks FMLA – For serious health conditions (after 1 year)
- Paid Parental Leave – Industry-leading 10 weeks for eligible employees
- Hybrid schedules – Available for some corporate positions
How to Apply for Amtrak Jobs: Step-by-Step Guide
How do I apply for a job at Amtrak? The application process is entirely online through careers.amtrak.com. Here’s exactly how to do it.
Step 1: Create Your Profile
Visit careers.amtrak.com and create a free candidate profile. You’ll need:
- Email address
- Phone number
- Password (save this!)
Important: Never print and mail applications. Amtrak only accepts applications through their online career center.
Step 2: Search for Open Positions
Browse jobs by:
- Location – Find opportunities near you
- Job category – Railroad operations, corporate, IT, etc.
- Keywords – Search specific role titles
Pro tip: Set up job alerts to get notified when positions matching your interests are posted.
Step 3: Complete Your Application
Once you find a role, click “Apply” and fill out:
- Work history
- Education background
- Skills and qualifications
- Availability and salary expectations
- Language skills and willingness to relocate
You’ll receive an email confirmation for every application submitted.
Step 4: Pass Pre-Employment Requirements
If selected, you’ll need to:
- Complete assessment tests (behavioral-based for most roles)
- Pass background check investigation
- Pass drug screening
- Complete any position-specific qualifications
⚠️ Scam Alert: Amtrak recruiters will NEVER ask for application fees or money. All legitimate applications go through careers.amtrak.com only.
What to Expect: The Amtrak Hiring Process Timeline
How long does the Amtrak hiring process take? Based on employee experiences, the process typically takes 1-3 months from application to offer.
Typical Timeline Breakdown
| Stage | Timeframe | What Happens |
| Application Review | 1-2 weeks | HR screens applications |
| Initial Contact | 2-4 weeks | Phone or email if selected |
| First Interview | 3-6 weeks | Phone or in-person screening |
| Second Interview | 4-8 weeks | Panel interview with supervisors |
| Background Check | 1-2 weeks | Reference and criminal checks |
| Job Offer | 1-3 months total | Conditional offer made |
| Onboarding | 2-4 weeks | Training and orientation |
What type of interview does Amtrak conduct? Amtrak uses behavioral-based interviewing in a panel format. Questions focus on how you’ve handled specific workplace situations in the past.
Sample Amtrak Interview Questions
- “Tell me about a time you dealt with a difficult customer.”
- “Describe a situation where you had to work as part of a team.”
- “How do you handle working under pressure or tight deadlines?”
- “Give an example of when you went above and beyond for your job.”
- “Why do you want to work for Amtrak specifically?”
Preparation tip: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses with specific examples from your work history.
Requirements & Qualifications for Amtrak Jobs
What are the basic requirements to work at Amtrak? While specific requirements vary by position, here are the general qualifications:
General Requirements for Most Positions
✓ Age requirement – Must be 18+ (some roles require 21+) ✓ Education – High school diploma or equivalent minimum ✓ Background check – Must pass criminal background investigation ✓ Drug screening – Pre-employment and random testing ✓ Physical fitness – Varies by role (especially operations positions) ✓ Availability – Willingness to work various shifts, including nights/weekends/holidays
Special Requirements for Operations Roles
- Valid driver’s license (for certain positions)
- Ability to lift 50+ pounds (for customer service and operations)
- Physical stamina to stand for extended periods
- Willingness to travel or relocate
- Customer service experience (highly valued)
What About Experience?
Do you need railroad experience to work at Amtrak? No! Many positions are entry-level with training provided. Amtrak offers trainee programs specifically for people new to the railroad industry.
For specialized roles like engineering, IT, or management, relevant professional experience is required, but railroad experience is not mandatory.
Career Growth & Development at Amtrak
Can you build a long-term career at Amtrak? Absolutely. Many Amtrak employees have spent decades with the company, moving up through various positions.
Career Development Benefits
- Educational assistance after 6 months of service
- Internal promotion opportunities (many positions filled internally)
- On-the-job training tailored to your role
- Mentorship programs with experienced railroaders
- Transfer opportunities to different cities (after 120 days)
- Skill development through workshops and online resources
Employee testimonial: “My role has significantly honed my leadership, project management, and time management skills. I’m always excited to be part of a team that is innovating and solving complex problems.”
Working Culture at Amtrak: What Employees Say
What’s it like to work at Amtrak? Employee reviews highlight both the benefits and challenges of working for America’s Railroad.
What Employees Love
✅ Excellent benefits package – Especially health insurance and travel perks
✅ Job security – Stable, established company
✅ Meaningful work – Serving 31+ million passengers annually
✅ Diverse opportunities – Wide range of career paths
✅ Strong safety culture – Priority on employee and passenger safety
Common Challenges
⚠️ Long hiring process – Can take several months
⚠️ Shift work – Operations roles often require nights, weekends, holidays
⚠️ Time away from home – Some positions require overnight stays
⚠️ Bureaucracy – Large organization with established processes
Amtrak’s Core Values
Do the Right Thing – Ethics and integrity in all actions
Excel Together – Collaboration and teamwork
Put Customers First – Service-oriented mindset
Special Programs: Internships & Co-ops
Does Amtrak offer internships? Yes! Amtrak has internship and co-op programs for students and recent graduates.
What Interns Can Expect
- Real projects – Not just coffee runs
- Mentorship from experienced professionals
- Networking opportunities across departments
- Potential for full-time employment after graduation
- Competitive pay and some benefits
Common internship areas: Engineering, IT, communications, business operations, project management, and more.
Tips for Landing Your Amtrak Job
Want to increase your chances of getting hired? Here’s what actually works:
1. Tailor Your Application
Match your skills to the job description. Don’t apply for positions you’re not qualified for—it wastes everyone’s time.
2. Highlight Customer Service Experience
Almost every Amtrak role involves interacting with people. Show examples of your customer service skills.
3. Emphasize Safety Awareness
Safety is Amtrak’s top priority. Mention any safety training or certifications you have.
4. Show Flexibility
Willingness to work various shifts or relocate can set you apart from other candidates.
5. Network with Current Employees
If you know someone at Amtrak, ask about their experience. Employee referrals can boost your application.
6. Be Patient
The hiring process takes time. Don’t lose hope if you don’t hear back immediately.
7. Apply for Multiple Positions
If you’re qualified for several roles, apply to each one separately to increase your visibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak Careers
Is Amtrak a good place to work?
Yes, Amtrak is considered a good employer, especially for those who value job security, excellent benefits, and travel perks. The comprehensive benefits package and Railroad Retirement system are significant advantages.
How often does Amtrak hire?
Amtrak hires continuously throughout the year as positions become available. The company has been expanding since the pandemic, with a 22% increase in workforce.
Can you work part-time at Amtrak?
Yes, Amtrak offers both full-time and part-time positions, though availability varies by location and role.
Do Amtrak employees get free train tickets?
Yes! Employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents receive unlimited free and reduced-rate rail transportation on Amtrak, plus discounts from other travel providers.
How much do Amtrak conductors make?
Conductor trainees start around $41.62 per hour, with opportunities for increases through collective bargaining agreements. Total compensation varies based on seniority and routes.
Does Amtrak pay for training?
Yes, Amtrak provides paid training for new hires. For trainee positions, hotel accommodations are provided at no cost, plus a $25 daily food stipend.
Can you transfer to different Amtrak locations?
Yes, after 120 days of employment, you can request a transfer to a different city. The process typically takes about 45 days.
What is the dress code at Amtrak?
Dress code varies by position. Operations and customer-facing roles have uniform requirements, while corporate positions typically follow business casual standards.
Related Resources & Videos
Helpful YouTube Videos
“A Day in the Life of an Amtrak Conductor” Watch on YouTube Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like working on America’s trains.
“Amtrak Careers: How to Get Hired” Watch on YouTube Former employees share their application tips and interview experiences.
Official Links
- Amtrak Careers Homepage: careers.amtrak.com
- Job Search Portal: Search Open Positions
- Benefits Information: Learn About Benefits
- Applicant FAQ: Application Help
Final Thoughts: Is an Amtrak Career Right for You?
Working for Amtrak means being part of America’s railroad legacy—connecting people, communities, and commerce across the nation. With over 20,000 employees serving 31 million passengers annually, every role matters.
The bottom line: If you’re looking for a stable career with excellent benefits, travel perks, and the opportunity to work in transportation, Amtrak is worth serious consideration. The application process requires patience, but the rewards—from the comprehensive health coverage to free rail travel—make it worthwhile for many employees.
Whether you’re just starting your career or looking for a new opportunity, Amtrak offers diverse paths forward. From conductors and engineers to IT professionals and customer service representatives, there’s likely a role that fits your skills and interests.