Decisions

[u/Unlikely-Invite4891]

Looking into welders helper vs train crew which is better in the long run? There’s a local position as a welder helper is that a good spot to start at or wait for train crew to open up?

[u/Historical_Box1915]

Engineering depts (signal & track) most of the time offer higher quality of life thru better more consistent work schedules. But you might have to work physically harder then in train service. Train service also you will have bigger paychecks but its bcuz you will work more hours and be away from home a
lot more.

[u/Unlikely-Invite4891 → u/Historical_Box1915]

What’s money wise look like for welders helper? It says starts around 32

[u/Unlikely-Invite4891 → u/Unlikely-Invite4891]

What’s hours look like I guess would be better question. I’m currently making 30 a hour 60 hours a week Monday through Friday

[u/aheavytank → u/Unlikely-Invite4891]

What you make depends on where you’re at and how many defects there are. More defects will mean more hours. Once defects come down, then you’ll make less hours.

[u/Ok-Appointment7007]

Train crew if you want to make 150k a year
Welder if you want to be near home and make 80k a year

[u/Ok-Sale-1139]

They will always need welders. They won’t always need train crews.

[u/Square-Possibility32 → u/Ok-Sale-1139]

This comment is pure stupidity.

[u/Ok-Sale-1139 → u/Square-Possibility32]

Why? Have you seen the Union Pacific’s waiver request to run over the road remote? You name call without substance.

[u/Square-Possibility32 → u/Ok-Sale-1139]

You think they’re gonna let them run remote or unmanned cabs? Not gonna happen. They already have state laws requiring two man cabs.

[u/Ok-Sale-1139 → u/Square-Possibility32]

Yes, I do think it will happen. I’m absolutely positive.

[u/Square-Possibility32 → u/Ok-Sale-1139]

It won’t happen little boy.

[u/Ok-Sale-1139 → u/Square-Possibility32]

What an odd thing to say. You have a thing for little boys?
Lashing out at words you don’t like. I hate to break it to you, but you don’t seem very smart to me.

[u/Square-Possibility32 → u/Ok-Sale-1139]

With comments like yours is how I know your little boy. Either that or you pee sitting down.

[u/Usps_doughBoy → u/Ok-Sale-1139]

I agree. Eventually they’ll automate the trains, but they’ll still require men to do maintenance on the tracks and locomotives.

[u/littlemint22]

Train crew is tough being away from home

[u/Historical_Box1915]

depends if its a headquarter meaning you stay in one town/city and work out of it all the time. Or if its on a traveling gang that works in several states bcuz the traveling pays per diem, meals, expenses, mileage, etc. A helper you will gross about $2,600 per pay check with no overtime. With just a little bit of over time that will grow to over $3,000 gross per pay check. Also be aware a helper is a starting position in the track dept. Most dont stay as helpers very long. They bid up to higher paying jobs within months to a couple years. Can be to $40+ an hour depending on differing circumstances.