The Association of American railroads estimates that railroad companies will hire more than 80,000 new employees over the next six years. This a significant hiring increase and is driven by the upturn in the economy, and and increasing demand for rail services. Early retirements and a legislation change lowering the retirement age from 62 to 60 mean more openings.
However, The Baltimore Sun (October 22, 2004) reports that these positions may be hard to fill. The article cites physical demands, demanding schedules, and harsh working conditions as factors that lead to a high dropout rate among new hires.