Last Updated: 2026
Is Amtrak hiring right now? The short answer is yes. In fact, Amtrak is currently in the middle of its largest workforce expansion in history. With the rollout of new Amtrak Airo trainsets and a massive $5.5 billion capital investment in 2025, the “Rail Renaissance” is real, and they need people to power it.
Whether you are looking for a conductor role, a corporate position in Washington D.C., or a skilled trade job in Wilmington, this guide covers everything you need to know to get hired.
Quick Summary: Key Takeaways
- Hiring Surge: Major demand for conductors, engineers, and skilled trades (electricians, mechanics) due to new fleet rollouts in late 2025.
- The Pay: Union jobs often start lower but scale quickly. Police and Engineers can earn $90k–$140k+ with overtime.
- The “Hurry Up and Wait”: The hiring process is notoriously slow (3–6 months is common).
- Drug Policy: Strict. As a federal contractor, Amtrak tests for marijuana, regardless of state laws.
- Retirement: Employees pay into the Railroad Retirement Board (RRTA), not Social Security, which often yields higher pension benefits.
Amtrak Salaries & Open Roles (2025 Data)
Amtrak roles are generally divided into Agreement (Union) and Non-Agreement (Management/Corporate) positions. Below is a breakdown of estimated pay ranges based on recent 2024-2025 hiring data.
| Job Title | Estimated Annual Salary Range | Role Type |
|---|---|---|
| Locomotive Engineer | $85,000 – $140,000+ | Operations (Union) |
| Conductor | $65,000 – $100,000+ | Operations (Union) |
| Amtrak Police Officer | $70,000 – $115,000 | Security |
| Trackman / Maintenance | $55,000 – $75,000 | Skilled Trade |
| Onboard Service (Chef/Attendant) | $45,000 – $65,000 | Service (Union) |
| Project Controls Specialist | $102,000 – $125,000 | Corporate |
| Senior Electrical Engineer | $120,000 – $145,000 | Engineering |
Pro Tip: For union jobs, you often start at 75% or 80% of the full rate and work your way up to 100% over 5 years. However, overtime availability on the “Extra Board” can significantly boost your actual take-home pay.
The Hiring Process: What to Actually Expect
If you read forums like Reddit or Quora, you’ll see a common theme: Patience is required. Writing like a human here—don’t quit your current job just because you got an interview!
1. The Application & Assessment
You apply online at careers.amtrak.com. Immediately check your email. You will likely receive a digital assessment (math, personality, safety logic).
- Tip: Consistency is key. On personality tests, avoid “middle of the road” answers. Be decisive.
2. The Panel Interview (STAR Method)
If selected, you’ll face a panel interview (often virtual). Amtrak relies heavily on the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Question: “Tell us about a time you handled a safety emergency.”
- Bad Answer: “I followed the rules and fixed it.”
- Good Answer: “At my last job (Situation), a machine overheated (Task). I immediately hit the kill switch and evacuated the area (Action), which prevented injury and allowed maintenance to fix it within an hour (Result).”
3. The “Radio Silence”
This is the hardest part. You might wait 2 weeks to 2 months after your interview. This is normal.
4. Background Check & Medical
Once you get a conditional offer, the real scrutiny begins.
- Background Check: deeply thorough. They check 10 years of employment history.
- Medical: Includes a physical exam and a drug screen.
Your Burning Questions Answered
Does Amtrak drug test for marijuana?
Yes. Amtrak is a federal contractor and falls under Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Even if you live in a legal state like California or New York, testing positive for marijuana will disqualify you. They typically use urine tests, but hair follicle tests have been reported for specific safety-sensitive roles.
How hard is it to get hired at Amtrak?
It is competitive. For conductor roles, hundreds often apply for a single spot. However, for skilled trades (electricians, linemen, mechanics), competition is slightly lower due to the specific technical skills required.
What is the “Extra Board”?
If you are hired as a Conductor or Engineer, you will likely start on the Extra Board. This means you have no set schedule. You are on-call 24/7 and must report to work (usually within 2-3 hours) when called. You cover for sick employees or extra trains. It is grueling, but it is where you earn the most overtime.
Does Amtrak pay into Social Security?
No. Railroad employees pay into the Railroad Retirement Board (RRTA) system. This is a Tier 1 and Tier 2 pension system that generally provides higher retirement benefits than standard Social Security.
📢 News Update: The 2025 Hiring Blitz
Why is Amtrak hiring so aggressively right now?
- Project Airo: Amtrak is manufacturing and deploying 111 new trainsets to replace older cars on routes like the Northeast Regional and Empire Service.
- Infrastructure Bill: The influx of federal funding has greenlit massive projects, such as the Gateway Tunnel (Hudson River tunnel) and the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in Baltimore.
- Workforce Expansion: In November 2025 alone, Amtrak posted significant openings for Lineman Trainees, Project Directors, and Track Standards Engineers to support these capital projects.
🎥 Watch: How to Pass the Amtrak Interview
🏆 Verdict: Is a Career at Amtrak Worth It?
If you value job security, excellent benefits, and a pension, Amtrak is one of the best blue-collar employers in the United States. However, the trade-off is often a difficult work-life balance in the first few years (due to the Extra Board) and a slow, bureaucratic hiring process.
Ready to apply? Visit the Official Amtrak Careers Page and search for jobs in your zip code.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak).