Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
SOC: 49-3043.00
Common Job Titles
Rail Car Mechanic
Rail Car Repairer
Rail Car Repairman
Rail Car Welder
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeAnalyze malfunctions in railroad rolling stock, mine cars, and mass transit rail car systems using diagnostic equipment and technical specifications to determine root causes.
Proficient
Hands-onPerform mechanical repairs and overhauls on rail car braking systems, wheels, and undercarriage components using precision hand tools, welding equipment, and hydraulic presses in rail yard environments.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate rail car structural integrity and safety compliance through systematic inspection following federal transportation regulations and industry standards.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply mechanical engineering principles and design specifications when troubleshooting complex rail car system failures and determining appropriate repair methods.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess bearing, wheel, and axle wear patterns using precision measuring instruments to determine serviceability and prevent catastrophic failures.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate specialized rail maintenance equipment including wheel lathes, bearing presses, and automated car movers to disassemble, repair, and reassemble rolling stock components efficiently.
Developing
Hands-onExecute arc welding and cutting torch operations to fabricate, repair, and modify rail car structural and mechanical components following safety protocols.
Developing
MindsetParticipate in collaborative problem-solving with maintenance team members and supervisors when addressing time-sensitive rail car repair priorities and resource allocation.
Developing
Hands-onHandle heavy rail car components weighing up to several tons using mobile cranes, hoists, and lifting systems while maintaining workplace safety standards.
Developing
MindsetEngage in continuous learning of emerging rail car technologies and repair methodologies through technical training programs and on-the-job mentorship to maintain occupational proficiency.
Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Rail Car Repairers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
18,300
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $45,670. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,640. 50th percentile: U.S. $65,680. 75th percentile: U.S. $80,150. 90th percentile: U.S. $92,000. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$45,670
10% of workers earn the following or more
$92,000
Workers on average earn
$67,610
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Mechanical4.5/5
Production and Processing3.4/5
Design3.3/5
Administration and Management3.2/5
Building and Construction3.2/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
Mozilla Firefox
Technology Skills
Disassembler software
Microsoft Internet Explorer
RailTech Software Solutions Rail 21 Management System
RailTech Software Systems Mars for the 21st Century
WheelShop Automation.com Wheel Shop Management Suite
