The rail supply industry contributes $127 billion annually to the U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) and employs an estimated 338,000 workers, according to a recent economic impact report. The industry supports approximately 906,000 jobs when indirect and induced effects are taken into consideration.
The report provides analysis of the industry across key market segments and state impact sheets for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., with localized insights on the industry economic contributions, jobs supported and economic output. The report also highlights how increased federal investment in rail programs has increased demand for rail suppliers and strengthened domestic manufacturing and service capacity.
In 2024, Amtrak’s procurement and capital investment activities generated $1.4 billion in tax revenue, $3.8 billion in labor income and $6.5 billion in U.S. GDP and supported approximately 45,800 jobs.
“Across the country, companies at every level of the rail supply chain support hundreds of thousands of jobs and drive critical manufacturing activity in communities nationwide,” Ashley Shelton, Railway Supply Institute acting president, said. “From specialized component manufacturers producing bearings, couplers, braking systems and advanced electronics, to original equipment manufacturers building railcars and locomotives, our industry forms the backbone of America’s freight and passenger rail network.”
The report was supported by Amtrak, the Railway Supply Institute, the Railway Engineering-Maintenance Suppliers Association, and the Railway Tie Association.