Georgia has one of the largest rail networks in the southeastern United States, making it a strong state for anyone interested in a railroad career.
According to the Georgia Department of Transportation, the state has more than 4,600 miles of active rail lines and 28 freight railroads. The network includes two major Class I railroads — Norfolk Southern and CSX — alongside numerous short-line operators.
Whether you are looking for work as a train conductor, locomotive engineer, track worker, signal maintainer, mechanic or in an office-based railroad role, Georgia offers opportunities across both freight and passenger rail.
Major Railroad Employers in Georgia
Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern is one of Georgia’s largest railroad employers and operates an extensive network throughout the state.
Georgia DOT lists approximately 1,930 route miles of Norfolk Southern railroad in Georgia. The company is also headquartered in Midtown Atlanta and advertises roles ranging from railroad operations and skilled trades to technology, finance and corporate positions.
You can search current opportunities through the Norfolk Southern careers page.
Major locations served by Norfolk Southern in Georgia include Atlanta, Macon, Savannah, Augusta, Columbus, Valdosta and Albany.
CSX
CSX is the other major Class I freight railroad operating throughout Georgia.
Georgia DOT lists approximately 1,626 route miles operated by CSX in the state. CSX also has major operations around Atlanta, Savannah and Waycross, along with intermodal and other rail facilities across Georgia.
You can search available positions through the CSX careers page.
CSX roles may include train operations, engineering, mechanical work, signals, maintenance and corporate positions.
Because vacancies change regularly, always check the railroad’s official careers website for current openings rather than relying on older job listings.
Short-Line Railroad Jobs in Georgia
Georgia also has a significant short-line railroad network.
Short-line railroads are smaller than Class I operators but still employ conductors, engineers, maintenance workers, mechanics and other railroad professionals.
Georgia DOT currently lists operators including:
- Georgia Central Railway
- Georgia & Florida Railway
- Georgia Northeastern Railroad
- Georgia Southwestern Railroad
- Georgia Woodlands Railroad
- Golden Isles Terminal Railroad
- Great Walton Railroad
- Hartwell Railroad
- Heart of Georgia Railroad
- Riceboro Southern Railway
- Sandersville Railroad
- St. Marys Railroad
- Valdosta Railway
- Fulton County Railway
- First Coast Railroad
- Chattooga & Chickamauga Railway
and several other short-line and terminal railroads operating throughout the state.
If you are serious about finding railroad employment in Georgia, it is worth checking these smaller operators as well as CSX and Norfolk Southern.
Passenger Rail Jobs in Georgia
Freight rail is not the only option.
Amtrak operates passenger services through Georgia, so candidates interested in passenger rail should also monitor Amtrak’s careers website for relevant vacancies.
Atlanta is also home to MARTA — the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority. MARTA operates a heavy-rail network of approximately 48 miles and 38 stations, creating another source of rail-related employment in the Atlanta area.
What Types of Railroad Jobs Are Available?
Depending on the employer, railroad careers in Georgia can include:
- Train conductor
- Locomotive engineer
- Yard and switching positions
- Track and maintenance-of-way jobs
- Signal and communications roles
- Mechanical and locomotive maintenance
- Electrical positions
- Dispatching
- Operations management
- Technology and engineering
- Administrative and corporate roles
Railroad work can involve irregular schedules, nights, weekends and holidays, particularly in operational positions.
Requirements vary considerably between employers and roles, so check the official job description before applying.
Finding Railroad Jobs in Georgia
For the best chance of finding current opportunities:
- Check Norfolk Southern and CSX careers pages regularly.
- Search the websites of Georgia’s short-line railroad operators.
- Check Amtrak for passenger-rail opportunities.
- Monitor MARTA for rail and transit positions around Atlanta.
- Apply directly through the employer whenever possible.
Georgia’s extensive freight and passenger rail network makes it one of the stronger states in the Southeast for exploring a railroad career.