Rail Car Repairers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Median pay: $67,530/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +2.8% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
• Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
• Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
• Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
• Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
• Test units for operability before and after repairs.
• Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
• Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
What's the median pay for Rail Car Repairers?
The median pay for Rail Car Repairers is $67,530 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Rail Car Repairers?
Employment for Rail Car Repairers is projected to change +2.8% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Rail Car Repairers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Rail Car Repairers?
About 1,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.