Amtrak's staffing jumps 22% since pandemic, salaries by more than $500 million

(The Center Square) – Amtrak has seen a 22% increase in its employee count while salaries and benefits have increased by more than $500 million in the past four years – to $2.69 billion in 2023.

Amtrak, known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, serves more than 500 destinations in 46 separate states covering more than 21,400 miles nationwide.

The cost of salaries, wages, and benefits in 2019 were a reported $2.17 billion before the pandemic. Salaries, wages and benefits increased to $2.69 billion in the fiscal year 2023 report . Total compensation of the average Amtrak employee – which includes salaries and benefits – was $118, 678 in 2023.

At the same time, Amtrak's net loss has increased from $880.9 million in 2019 to $1.75 billion in 2023.

During Amtrak’s rebound from the pandemic, the transport agency reported 18,600 employees in 2019. That number has increased by 22% since the pandemic, reaching 22,658 employees as of 2023.

Amtrak has highlighted accomplishments throughout their workforce emphasizing on inclusion and culture and the increase in overall diverse representation including women and people of color, reporting 56.53% diverse representation in 2023.

The transport agency hired more than 4,800 employees in 2023 through recruitment programs and saw an employee turnover rate of 9.3% according to the same report.

Amtrak is looking to double its ridership to 66 million by 2040.

Amtrak didn't respond to questions from The Center Square.