Are you looking for a rewarding career with excellent pay and unique benefits?
VIA Rail, Canada’s premier passenger rail service, is hiring across the country for a variety of exciting positions.
With salaries reaching up to $42 per hour or $106,000 annually, plus incredible travel perks, these jobs are perfect for those seeking stable, high-paying roles in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, and Quebec.
Whether you’re a skilled tradesperson, an engineer, or someone with a knack for organization, VIA Rail has opportunities that don’t always require a university degree.
Read on to discover the top VIA Rail jobs available in 2025, including salaries, requirements, and how to apply for these life-changing roles!
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Why Work for VIA Rail?
VIA Rail offers more than just a paycheck.
Employees enjoy travel perks, allowing them to explore Canada’s stunning landscapes by train, even if their role doesn’t involve travel.
From vibrant cities to serene countryside, these benefits make VIA Rail jobs highly desirable.
Additionally, the company provides competitive wages, comprehensive training, and opportunities for career growth, making it an ideal choice for professionals at all levels.
Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, or Thompson, VIA Rail’s diverse job openings cater to a wide range of skills and experience levels.
Here’s a detailed look at the top VIA Rail job openings in 2025, including what you need to qualify and how much you can earn.
1. Diesel Engine Mechanic
Location: Toronto, ON
Salary: $42.49/hour, plus $1.50–$2.00/hour for night shifts
Who Should Apply: This role is perfect for those with hands-on experience in diesel and internal combustion engines.
Candidates need at least three years of relevant experience.
While a Heavy Duty Mechanic (HDM) license is preferred, it’s not mandatory.
Holding a 421A or 310T license is a bonus but not required.
Job Overview: As a Diesel Engine Mechanic, you’ll maintain and repair VIA Rail’s locomotive engines, ensuring safe and efficient operations.
This high-paying role offers a chance to work with cutting-edge rail technology while earning a substantial income.
How to Apply: Visit the VIA Rail Careers page to submit your application.
2. Railway Car Technician
Location: Vancouver and Mission Harbour, BC; Toronto, ON
Salary: $35.22–$42.49/hour, plus $1.50–$2.00/hour for night shifts
Who Should Apply: Red Seal certified tradespersons are preferred, but apprentices with experience as millwrights, carpenters, plumbers, welders, fabricators, or automotive technicians are encouraged to apply.
Job Overview: Railway Car Technicians maintain and repair passenger cars, ensuring they meet safety and comfort standards.
This role combines technical expertise with problem-solving skills, offering a dynamic work environment.
How to Apply: Check the VIA Rail Careers page for openings in Vancouver or Toronto.
3. Electrical Engineer
Location: Montreal, QC
Salary: $86,366–$106,687/year
Who Should Apply: Candidates must hold a university degree in electrical engineering and be registered with the Ordre des ingénieurs du Québec.
A minimum of five years of experience in electrical engineering, including designing and analyzing circuits, is required.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and Microsoft Office, along with bilingualism in English and French, is essential.
Job Overview: Electrical Engineers at VIA Rail design and modify electrical systems for trains, ensuring reliability and safety.
This role is ideal for those passionate about engineering and rail innovation.
How to Apply: Apply through the VIA Rail Careers page.
4. General Worker – Passenger Car Cleaner
Location: Toronto, ON
Salary: $32.39/hour, plus $1.50–$2.00/hour for night shifts
Who Should Apply: A high school diploma and a valid driver’s license are required, along with experience in commercial cleaning or building maintenance.
Candidates must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Job Overview: This role involves cleaning and maintaining passenger cars to ensure a comfortable experience for travelers.
It’s a great entry-level opportunity with competitive pay and benefits.
How to Apply: Submit your application on the VIA Rail Careers page.
5. Senior Administrative Assistant
Location: Montreal, QC
Salary: $62,717–$77,474/year
Who Should Apply: Candidates need a college diploma in administration and at least eight years of experience supporting executives.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook) and bilingualism in English and French are required.
Job Overview: Senior Administrative Assistants provide critical support to VIA Rail’s leadership, managing schedules, documents, and communications.
This role is perfect for organized, detail-oriented individuals.
How to Apply: Visit the VIA Rail Careers page to apply.
6. Dispatcher, Police Communication Centre
Location: Ottawa, ON
Salary: $62,717–$77,474/year
Who Should Apply: Candidates must have a high school diploma and a certification in security, emergency dispatch, or policing.
At least five years of experience in a related field, along with skills in computer-aided dispatch and map reading, is required.
Bilingualism in English and French is mandatory.
Job Overview: Dispatchers manage emergency communications, ensuring rapid response to incidents.
This high-stakes role requires quick thinking and strong communication skills.
How to Apply: Apply via the VIA Rail Careers page.
7. Specialist, Quality Assurance
Location: Montreal, QC
Salary: $71,971–$88,906/year
Who Should Apply: A college diploma or bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, quality assurance, or a related field is required.
Candidates need experience in manufacturing or quality assurance for rail programs, along with knowledge of quality tools and Microsoft Excel.
Bilingualism and occasional travel are also required.
Job Overview: Quality Assurance Specialists ensure that VIA Rail’s equipment meets strict standards, contributing to safe and reliable operations.
How to Apply: Check openings on the [VIA Rail Careers page (https://www.viarail.ca/en Senior Administrative Assistant/careers).
8. Locomotive Engineer
Location: Thompson, MB
Salary: Competitive (specific salary not disclosed)
Who Should Apply: Candidates must be qualified locomotive engineers with Canadian Rail Operating Rules certification.
Operating experience and physical fitness are essential.
Job Overview: Locomotive Engineers operate VIA Rail’s trains, ensuring safe and timely journeys.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the heart of Canada’s rail system.
How to Apply: Visit the VIA Rail Careers page.
9. Electrical Technician
Location: Montreal, QC
Salary: $71,971–$88,906/year
Who Should Apply: A college diploma in electrical engineering (specializing in electrotechnics, automation, or industrial electricity) and five years of experience as an industrial electrician are required.
Knowledge of the Canadian Electrical Code, AutoCAD, and programmable logic controllers is essential, along with bilingualism.
Job Overview: Electrical Technicians maintain and repair electrical systems on trains, ensuring operational efficiency and safety.
How to Apply: Apply through the VIA Rail Careers page.
Why These Jobs Are a Game-Changer
VIA Rail’s job opportunities stand out for their competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and unique travel perks.
Whether you’re a tradesperson, an engineer, or an administrative professional, there’s a role that matches your skills.
Many positions don’t require a university degree, making them accessible to a wide range of candidates.
Plus, the chance to work in diverse locations across Canada, from bustling Toronto to scenic Vancouver, adds to the appeal.
How to Stand Out in Your Application
To increase your chances of landing a VIA Rail job:
- Tailor Your Resume: Highlight relevant experience, certifications, and skills mentioned in the job posting.
- Showcase Bilingualism: For Quebec-based roles, proficiency in English and French is often required.
- Emphasize Technical Skills: For technical roles, detail your experience with tools like AutoCAD or Microsoft Office.
- Apply Early: VIA Rail jobs are highly competitive, so submit your application as soon as possible.
Start Your Career with VIA Rail Today!
VIA Rail’s 2025 job openings offer a unique blend of high pay, exciting work, and unparalleled travel benefits.
From Diesel Engine Mechanics to Locomotive Engineers, there’s a role for everyone.
Don’t miss your chance to join one of Canada’s most iconic companies.
Visit the VIA Rail Careers page to explore these opportunities and apply today!
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