Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 3,500 people employed as transit and railroad police in the United States. The median annual salary is $64,930. Entry level employees earn approximately $47,310 per year and senior employees earn approximately $98,250 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Provide training to the public or law enforcement personnel in railroad safety or security.
• Plan or implement special safety or preventive programs, such as fire or accident prevention.
• Direct or coordinate the daily activities or training of security staff.
• Record and verify seal numbers from boxcars containing frequently pilfered items, such as cigarettes or liquor, to detect tampering.
• Interview neighbors, associates, or former employers of job applicants to verify personal references or to obtain work history data.
• Seal empty boxcars by twisting nails in door hasps, using nail twisters.
• Direct security activities at derailments, fires, floods, or strikes involving railroad property.
• Patrol railroad yards, cars, stations, or other facilities to protect company property or shipments and to maintain order.
• Investigate or direct investigations of freight theft, suspicious damage or loss of passengers' valuables, or other crimes on railroad property.
• Examine credentials of unauthorized persons attempting to enter secured areas.
• Enforce traffic laws regarding the transit system and reprimand individuals who violate them.
• Prepare reports documenting investigation activities and results.
• Monitor transit areas and conduct security checks to protect railroad properties, patrons, and employees.
• Apprehend or remove trespassers or thieves from railroad property or coordinate with law enforcement agencies in apprehensions and removals.

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