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Railroad Repairing
This standard covers the nonsupervisory work involved in installing, removing, aligning, maintaining, and repairing rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds using hand operated power tools and other manually operated equipment. The work requires a knowledge of the layout and maintenance requirements of tracks, roadbeds, and their parts, and ability to find and repair defects in them using specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
What WG-3546 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-3546, as written.
Railroad Repairing
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers the nonsupervisory work involved in installing, removing, aligning, maintaining, and repairing rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds using hand operated power tools and other manually operated equipment. The work requires a knowledge of the layout and maintenance requirements of tracks, roadbeds, and their parts, and ability to find and repair defects in them using specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
: Grade 8 repairers, in accomplishing the work described above, use all of the skill and knowledge described at the Grade 5 level and, in addition, the following: -- Ability to determine the need for any of the full range of manual maintenance, including aligning, superelevating, surfacing, shaping, renewing, replacing, and repairing all railroad track parts; must know the proper condition of all track and railway components including drainage and vegetation control requirements and the operation of mechanical switches, signals, and gates; -- Ability to detect probable causes of defects requiring overly frequent maintenance on some track areas; e.g., improper elevation of the outer rail as the cause of frequent shifting of track; -- Ability to determine extent of repair necessary because of defects such as various types of fissures, splits, crushed or flattened heads, cracked bases, shelly spots and other fractures, overly-tight clearances, shifting track, and worn switch points; -- Ability to coordinate repair work with railroad maintenance vehicle operators, welders, crane operators, railroad repairers, and laborers, as required, along with skill in the use of full range of normal repair techniques involved in major repair projects such as tie and track replacement for an entire installation; -- Skill in using the tools, devices, and techniques described at grade 5 and, in addition, using a spot board to determine smoothness, using the string lining technique for determining proper curvature on simple curves, or using comparable techniques in addition to making visual assessments of track condition.
Physical Effort
at this level is essentially the same as those described for the
Working Conditions
at this level are essentially the same as those described for the
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-3546
1Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
2Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Typical duties
- Perform railroad repairing tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
Grade 8 repairers, in accomplishing the work described above, use all of the skill and knowledge described at the Grade 5 level and, in addition, the following: -- Ability to determine the need for
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-3546
What is a Railroad Repairer?
A Railroad Repairer (WG-3546) installs, removes, aligns, maintains, and repairs rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints, and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds. They use hand-operated power tools and specialized railroad maintenance equipment at federal installations with rail systems.
How much does a federal Railroad Repairer make?
WG-3546 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-8/9) typically range $24-$35 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $50,000-$73,000. Positions at active rail facilities may include overtime opportunities.
What are the requirements for WG-3546 positions?
WG-3546 requires knowledge of railroad track layout and maintenance requirements. Qualifications include ability to find and repair track defects, use specialized railroad maintenance equipment, work safely around rail operations, and perform heavy physical labor outdoors.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3546?
Military transportation and construction experience may help qualify. Army 88U (Railway Operations) or similar transportation MOSs involving rail operations provide directly relevant experience. Combat engineer and construction experience with heavy equipment also transfers well.
What is the career progression for Railroad Repairing?
Railroad Repairers progress from WG-5 through journeyman levels (WG-8/9). Senior positions involve lead worker responsibilities. This specialized trade has limited positions but offers stable employment at installations with rail systems like depots, arsenals, and supply centers.
How do I apply for WG-3546 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Railroad Repairer' or series '3546.' Positions exist at military depots, arsenals, and installations with active rail systems. Highlight your track work experience, heavy equipment operation, and outdoor work capabilities. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-3546?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.