Railroad Operations Manager

Impact: Operational, Safety, Economic

Oversees and coordinates the daily operations of a railroad system, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulations. Manages staff, schedules, equipment, and logistics to facilitate the smooth movement of trains and cargo.

What the day looks like

People interaction
Extensive
Team vs solo
Team-oriented
Client facing
Sometimes
Impact visibility
High
Travel
Moderate
Schedule flexibility
Rigid
Remote work
Hybrid
Typical work hours
45-55 hours per week
Stress level
High

At a glance

Median salary
$105,000
Entry-level
$75,000
Senior
$140,000
Growth by 2033
2%
Demand
Stable
Freelance potential
Low
Salary growth potential
High
Typical student debt
$30,000 - $50,000

Skills you'll use

Hard skills

  • Logistics Management
  • Project Management
  • Regulatory Compliance

Soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving

Technical complexity: High

How to get there

Minimum education
Bachelor's Degree
Licensing
No
Years to mid-career
5-8 years
Years to senior
10-15 years
Career switching
Moderate

Where this career leads

How people arrive here

    Where you can go from here

      Typical progression

      1. Senior Operations Manager, Director of Operations

      Future outlook

      Automation probability
      Low
      AI disruption risk
      Moderate
      Demand trend
      Stable

      How people feel about it

      Overall satisfaction
      4/10
      Meaning
      4/10
      Work-life balance
      3.5/10
      Prestige
      7.5/10
      Social perception
      Moderate

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