Class 1 RR Pay and Benefits

[kfleeman1]

I am looking at train service as a career and I have a few questions about pay and such. I want to work for NS or BNSF, possibly UP, but definitely not CSX. It seems to me from what I have heard that BNSF pays better, has better benefits, and treats employees better than any other RR. Is this true or do all Class 1s pay pretty much the same with basically the same benefits? I have also heard of these "dream" $100,000 engineer jobs that go to the top engineers on their sub/division. Are these positions really out there and if so what does the railroad look at to determine a "top" engineer? I was also wondering if you are better off trying to get on a very busy section of RR in order to make more money. I appreciate any and all help.

[Dutchrailnut]

Despite small differences the railroads are all governed by National contract, so pay is pretty much same on the class 1's
Yes there is people making $100 000 a year out there but not in base salary, those people have no life and live on railroad.
If you work 7 days a week and keep begging the crew callers they will need you somehow, but most of that type of guy has burnout in a few years.

[Anonymous]

why not CSX?

[kfleeman1]

I've heard way too many bad things about CSX to even think about them.

[coborn35]

Union Pacific is hiring like crazy soon.

[kfleeman1]

It looks like pretty much everybody is hiring like crazy. I've still got just shy of 2 years left so hopefully they'll still be hiring good then too.