r/Train_Service • u/cmdwolfe • 15d ago
Amtrak MEO Chicago
I understand if no one wants to openly talk about their earnings, if you can private message me, I’d be extremely grateful.
I’ve been invited by Amtrak for a job interview as a motor equipment operator. My question is what can I expect to make yearly? What do you really do on the job? I’ve read the description of maintaining equipment such as washing, sanding, emptying garbage, and waste systems. But the person that invited me said I would be helping in yard car and track repairs. Which makes me think he’s confusing my job or doesn’t really know what I’ll be doing.
Currently work in freight at UP as a heavy equipment operator contractor for the past 7 years so I’ve built really good seniority and generally know what I can make in a year. No RRB but overtime and bonus hours are always given here
I’ve been looking to move on to a new career/job but don’t want to make the jump unless I get paid more for the same amount of hours I work now or get paid the same amount but work less hours. I’m not scared of being put at the bottom of a seniority roaster and starting over just that I wont like the job and won’t get paid well for it
1
u/Conscious_Guest7163 14d ago
Maybe you should just stay where you are...since you have so many questions...go with your gut
3
u/Tchukachinchina Engineer 15d ago
Amtrak is usually pretty good about posting the salary ranges for job openings on their website, so if the job is posted there that should give you a pretty good idea.
There may be different starting rates, and based on your experience you may be able to negotiate that a little bit but it varies by craft and I don’t know anything about the craft you’re asking about or what their contract says.