Transit and Railroad Police

O*NET 33-3052.00 · SOC 33-3052

Transit and Railroad Police is a solid career choice. Median pay is $90k a year with +3.2% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 300 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+3.2%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$90k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
0k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Patrol train stations and rail yards to deter criminal activity.
  • →Respond to assaults, thefts, and disturbances on transit property.
  • →Investigate accidents and crimes occurring on railroad property.
  • →Enforce trespassing laws on active rail lines and restricted areas.
  • →Coordinate with local police during emergencies on transit systems.

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Transit and Railroad Police positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Transit and Railroad Police? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
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Udemy
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Transit and Railroad Police involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningPatrol train stations and rail yards to deter criminal activity.
MiddayRespond to assaults, thefts, and disturbances on transit property.
AfternoonInvestigate accidents and crimes occurring on railroad property.

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)6.2
Conventional (Organizers)4.9
Enterprising (Persuaders)3.2
Social (Helpers)2.5
Investigative (Thinkers)2.3
Artistic (Creators)1.0

Who Thrives as Transit and Railroad Police?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTJThe InspectorESTJThe ExecutiveISTPThe CraftspersonESTPThe Dynamo

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Transit and Railroad Police Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Transit and Railroad Police is projected to grow 3.2% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

33/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Transit and Railroad Police make?

The median Transit and Railroad Police earns $90k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Transit and Railroad Police jobs?

Our model puts Transit and Railroad Police at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 36% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Transit and Railroad Police a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 3.2% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 300 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Transit and Railroad Police?

Most Transit and Railroad Police roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become a Transit and Railroad Police?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Transit and Railroad Police career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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