How to become a railway and motor transport labourer

Official title: Railway and motor transport labourers

Also called: Railway labourer, Railway car weigher, Car checker - railway, Car weigher - railway, Railway yard labourer, Railway track labourer, Track greaser - railway, Track sweeper - railway, Motor transport labourer, Railway car decal applier, Swamper - truck transport, Section labourer - railway

Railway and motor transport labourers perform a variety of tasks to assist track maintenance workers and railway yard workers, or motor transport operators. They are employed by railway transport companies and motor transport companies.

Main tasks

• Railway labourers
• Transport tools and equipment on push or hand car and perform other duties to assist railway track maintenance workers to lay, maintain and repair railway tracks
• Cut vegetation growth from railway tracks using scythes and mowers
• Check freight cars for physical damage and cleanliness
• Motor transport labourers
• Assist truck and delivery drivers to load and unload vehicles
• Perform labouring duties in warehouses

How to become one

Some secondary school education is usually required.

See the full NOC 2021 profile

Pay · Outlook

• Median pay: $42,900 a year The middle half earn $37,050 to $50,700.
• About 4,600 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 5,300 are projected by 2033. (+15.2%)
• Projected labour market to 2033: balance.

Related jobs

• Boat and cable ferry operators and related occupations
• Public works and maintenance labourers

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Questions people ask

How do I become a railway and motor transport labourer?

Some secondary school education is usually required.

How much does a railway and motor transport labourer earn in Canada?

Median full-time pay is $42,900 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $37,050 to $50,700.

Is a railway and motor transport labourer a growing career in Canada?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 15% by 2033, from about 4,600 to about 5,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).

Do you need a degree to become a railway and motor transport labourer?

Usually not. Only 9% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Sources

• Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
• Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03

Updated 2026-10-03