Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Careers provide many different career options like conductor, train engineer and more. for those who want to work in transportation and public service. One of the busiest commuter railroads in North America, the LIRR Jobs is an integral part of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and is the backbone that links Long Island to New York City.
LIRR careers range from operations to engineering, maintenance, administrative, and customer service. From becoming a conductor, train engineer, or track worker, to working in corporate support staff, LIRR offers competitive wages, benefits, and training opportunities. The average salary of employees at MTA LIRR Jobs is $250,000 per year.
Employment with the LIRR is helping make daily commutes safe and efficient for thousands of passengers. Diversity, skill improvement, and career advancement are emphasized by the organization, making it a desirable option for both new graduates and seasoned professionals looking for stable, fulfilling work in the public transportation field.
LIRR Jobs Posting
If you want to start a career with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), there are several positions available that will fit skill sets and educational levels. From becoming a train operator, conductor, or part of the maintenance team to working in an administrative or office environment, LIRR has careers that offer competitive pay and benefits.
For example, conductor positions generally have annual salaries ranging from $80,000 to $95,000, and some entry-level positions may not require too much previous experience. In order to search through current listings is best done by looking at the MTA Careers website and narrowing the search to “Long Island Rail Road” to find positions that suit your interests and skill set.
1.Visit the Official MTA Careers Website
- Go to MTA Careers.
- Click on “Search Openings” and filter by “Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)” under Agency.
- Browse available jobs (e.g., Train Conductor, Track Worker, Customer Service).
2. Check Job Requirements & Salary
- Click on a job listing to see details like:
- Job duties
- Minimum qualifications (education, experience, licenses)
- Salary range (e.g., Conductors earn $80K–$95K/year)
- Application deadline
3. Create an Account & Apply Online
- Click “Apply Now” and sign up for an MTA Careers account.
- Fill out the application form and upload your resume, cover letter, and certifications (if required).
- Submit before the deadline.
4. Prepare for Exams (If Required)
- Some jobs (e.g., Track Worker, Signal Maintainer) require passing an MTA civil service exam.
- Check the MTA Exam Schedule for test dates.
- Study using official MTA guides or prep books.
5. Check for Internal Postings (Current Employees Only)
- If you already work for LIRR, log in to the LIRR Employee Intranet for internal job listings.
6. Follow Up & Monitor Application Status
- After applying, check your email for updates.
- If selected, you’ll be contacted for interviews, background checks, and training.
7. Explore Additional Resources
- LinkedIn & Indeed sometimes list LIRR jobs.
- Contact the MTA Employment Center for help: (646) 376-0123.
How to Apply for MTA LIRR Jobs Online
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), operated by the MTA, offers a seamless online application process for prospective employees. If you desire to work as a conductor, maintenance staff, or customer service representative, all applications need to be made on the MTA Careers website. Below is a step-by-step guide of clear description of how the process goes, along with an informative table of key points covering LIRR job applications:.
1.Find Open Positions
- Action Required: Visit MTA Careers
- Details: Search for “Long Island Rail Road” jobs
- Helpful Tips: Filter by job type, location, and salary
2. Check Requirements
- Action Required: Review job posting
- Details: Verify education, experience, and exam needs
- Helpful Tips: Some roles require civil service exams
3. Create an Account
- Action Required: Register on MTA Careers
- Details: Provide email, resume, and contact info
- Helpful Tips: Save login details for future applications
4. Submit Application
- Action Required: Fill out online form
- Details: Upload resume, cover letter, certifications
- Helpful Tips: Double-check for errors before submitting
5. Exam (If Needed)
- Action Required: Check MTA Exam Schedule
- Details: Study exam materials in advance
- Helpful Tips: Some tests are held periodically
6. Interview & Hiring
- Action Required: Wait for contact from HR
- Details: Prepare for background checks/drug tests
- Helpful Tips: Respond promptly to emails/calls
7. Training & Onboarding
- Action Required: Complete required training
- Details: New hires often go through LIRR training programs
- Helpful Tips: Arrive prepared with necessary documents
LIRR Employee Salaries
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which is owned and operated by the MTA, has a broad salary range based on position, experience, and overtime availability. LIRR salaries are very different, with some workers receiving modest salaries while others, especially in upper or overtime-dominant positions, may earn more than $250,000 annually
| Job Title | Average Salary | Salary Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Systems Programmer | $121,000 | $121,000 (fixed) | Highest non-overtime role |
| Principal Engineer | $116,000 | $103,000 – $223,000 | High-end engineering role |
| Conductor | Varies widely | $43,544 – $277,591 | Overtime can exceed $300K |
| Foreman-Track | Highly variable | $250,000 – $395,000 | Highly overtime-dependent; some earn $350K+ |
| Signalman | $44,000 | $35,000 – $56,000 | Lower-end technical role |
| Engineering Intern | $33,000 | $33,000 (fixed) | Lowest recorded salary |
| Enterprise Sales Executive | $223,676 | $185,000 – $261,000 | Highest corporate role |
| Assistant Conductor | $61,000 | ~$51,000 – $70,000 | Mid-level operational role |
LIRR Employee Benefits
the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides a rich benefits program aimed at promoting employees’ health, economic security, and balance between their work and personal life. Full-time workers are provided with medical, dental, and vision coverage at low payroll deductions, as well as wellness programs, such as fitness reimbursements and free health screenings. Retirement plans feature a Tier 6 defined pension plan (vesting after 10 years) and employer-matched 401(k)/457(b) plans.
Employees have generous paid time off, including increasing vacation days with tenure, 13 paid holidays, and sick leave accrual. Special commuter benefits offer free LIRR/Metro-North riding and reduced NYC Transit fares. Other benefits include tuition reimbursement (up to $5,250/year), disability coverage, and life insurance.
Union-represented employees enjoy collective bargaining contracts under TWU Local 2001, providing for job stability and grievance rights. This comprehensive package makes MTA LIRR a desirable employer for job stability, career advancement opportunities, and work-life balance within the transit industry.
LIRR Retirement and Pension Plans
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides one of the largest retirement benefit packages in the transportation sector. As a member of the MTA system, LIRR workers receive a blend of classic pensions and contemporary retirement saving plans. The benefits are formulated to grant workers long-term fiscal security after working for decades.
Here’s a clean and easy-to-read table summarizing the retirement and benefit plans for MTA LIRR employees:
| Plan Type | Eligibility | Key Features | Contribution Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defined Benefit Pension | 10+ years of service | – Guaranteed lifetime payments – Based on salary and years of service – Cost-of-living adjustments |
Employer-funded; no employee contributions required |
| 401(k) Plan | Immediate eligibility | – Traditional and Roth options – Employer match up to 6% of salary – Wide range of investment choices |
Employee contributions with employer match |
| 457(b) Deferred Comp | Immediate eligibility | – Additional tax-advantaged savings – Can be used with 401(k) – Special catch-up provisions |
Employee contributions only |
| Retiree Healthcare | 15+ years of service | – Medical coverage continuation – Subsidized premiums – Prescription drug benefits |
Premiums shared between retiree and LIRR |
| Early Retirement | 25+ years of service | – Reduced pension benefits – Bridge to Medicare eligibility – Healthcare continuation |
Available starting at age 55 with sufficient service |
Frequently Asked Question
1.How do I apply for a job at LIRR?
To take up a vacancy in the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), all potential applicants should use the official MTA Careers Portal. Begin by visiting the website, and then apply the agency filter and choose “Long Island Rail Road.” From there, you can explore listed vacancies, select an opportunity that you are interested in, and follow the
2.What types of jobs are available at LIRR?
LIRR provides a broad array of employment opportunities in multiple departments. These include operational positions like conductors, engineers, and dispatchers; maintenance jobs like track workers, electricians, and signal maintainers; administration positions in customer service, human resources, and IT; and management positions such as supervisors and project managers.
3.Do I need prior experience to work at LIRR?
Not every job at LIRR demands prior experience. Most entry-level jobs, including assistant conductor or track worker, do not demand any work history and involve compensated training programs. Skilled trade jobs like electricians or mechanics typically demand related certifications, licenses, or previous job experience, though.
3.What is the salary range for LIRR jobs?
LIRR salaries range widely based on position. Conductors can expect to earn between $80,000 and $95,000 per year as a starting salary, with overtime opportunities in addition to that. Track workers typically earn between $60,000 and $90,000, and engineers from $100,000 to $120,000. Customer service workers usually earn between $40,000 and $55,000. Overtime opportunities often double take-home pay in many situations.
4.Are there civil service exams for LIRR jobs?
Yes, some LIRR jobs do need applicants to pass an MTA civil service exam. Signal maintainer and foreman positions are just a few examples of jobs that require testing. The MTA offers official study guides and publishes exam schedules on its website to assist applicants in preparing ahead of time.
5.What benefits does LIRR offer?
LIRR has a rich benefits package that features a defined benefit pension plan after 10 years of tenure, with 401(k) and 457 deferred compensation schemes. Employees also have free or discounted rides on LIRR and other MTA services, medical, dental, and vision health insurance, and generous paid leave, including vacation time, sick leave, and holidays.
6.How long does the hiring process take?
The LIRR recruitment process itself can last between 3 to 6 months. The process usually hinges on a number of factors such as background investigations, drug screening, as well as training sessions’ availability—particularly for jobs that are safety-sensitive or certification-based.
7.Can I transfer from another MTA agency to LIRR?
Yes, existing employees in the MTA system are eligible to apply for internal job listings via the LIRR Employee Intranet. This provides career movement from one agency to another within the MTA agencies, such as a transfer to the Long Island Rail Road.
8.Is there a probation period for new hires?
The majority of new employees at LIRR are placed on a one-year probationary period. They are given additional training and performance tests to make sure they satisfy the standards and expectations of the job.
9.Where can I check my application status?
You may verify the status of your job application by logging into your MTA Careers account. For further specific information or updates, you can also call the LIRR Human Resources department at (646) 376-0123.