Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
SOC: 33-3052.00
Common Job Titles
Patrolman
Railroad Police
Railroad Police Officer
Transit Police Officer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate threats and security risks to transit passengers, employees, and property in railroad and transit environments, applying public safety and security protocols.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate conflict resolution techniques with public safety priorities when managing confrontations and negotiating with diverse stakeholders in high-pressure transit settings.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate law enforcement equipment including firearms, batons, handcuffs, and restraint devices following departmental protocols and safety procedures during patrol and enforcement activities.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform patrol duties on foot, bicycle, and in vehicles across transit facilities and railroad property, monitoring surroundings for suspicious activity and safety hazards while maintaining visible presence.
Proficient
KnowledgeAnalyze incident information and evidence from crime scenes using fingerprinting equipment, digital cameras, and law enforcement databases to support investigations.
Developing
MindsetEngage with passengers and the public during routine patrol and emergency response, demonstrating service orientation while maintaining authority and ensuring compliance with transit regulations.
Developing
KnowledgeApply legal statutes and regulations governing transit and railroad operations when making arrests, issuing citations, and documenting violations in accordance with law and government requirements.
Developing
KnowledgePrepare detailed incident reports and documentation using Microsoft Office software and law enforcement information systems to ensure accuracy and compliance with legal standards.
Developing
MindsetSupport individuals in crisis or distress by providing first aid, coordinating emergency medical response, and offering reassurance to passengers and employees.
Developing
Hands-onExecute hazardous materials detection and emergency response procedures using chemical, biological, and explosive detectors in accordance with safety protocols.
Developing
KnowledgeInterpret crime mapping data and geographic intelligence to identify patterns, allocate resources, and develop patrol strategies for transit and railroad systems.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in community policing initiatives and public safety training programs to build trust with transit users and coordinate with interdisciplinary law enforcement teams.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Transit and Railroad Police (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
3,000
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $58,370. 25th percentile: U.S. $65,920. 50th percentile: U.S. $82,320. 75th percentile: U.S. $114,040. 90th percentile: U.S. $141,870. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$58,370
10% of workers earn the following or more
$141,870
Workers on average earn
$91,820
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Public Safety and Security4.9/5
Law and Government4.7/5
English Language4.4/5
Customer and Personal Service4.1/5
Transportation3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Word
Technology Skills
Crime mapping software
Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System IAFIS