Rail Car Repairers
Rail car repairers diagnose, adjust, repair, and overhaul railroad cars, mine cars, and mass transit rail cars. They work in rail yards, maintenance facilities, and transit depots, identifying mechanical and structural problems and performing fixes to keep rolling stock operational and safe.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail car repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
Rail car repairers inspect cars for damage, wear, and malfunction using hand tools, power tools, and diagnostic equipment. A typical week involves troubleshooting brake systems, replacing wheels and bearings, welding damaged frames, and testing repairs. Work occurs in yards and shops, often involving heavy lifting, working under cars on lifts, and coordinating with other maintenance staff.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to prefer concrete, hands-on work with clear procedures and measurable results. You're methodical and detail-oriented, comfortable following established repair standards and safety protocols, and you enjoy solving mechanical problems through systematic troubleshooting.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training). Most people in this occupation hold a high school diploma.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $81,900 | $108,680 | $108,680 | 770 |
| Maryland | $74,320 | $89,430 | $103,540 | 560 |
| Oregon | $68,600 | $87,470 | $87,470 | 230 |
| Colorado | $74,090 | $86,630 | $90,260 | 250 |
| Idaho | $53,170 | $85,420 | $85,420 | 110 |
| New York | $72,800 | $84,580 | $96,620 | 1,730 |
| Illinois | $66,220 | $84,570 | $94,530 | 1,850 |
| Utah | $65,380 | $83,980 | $83,980 | 100 |
| Virginia | $59,340 | $83,720 | $83,870 | 210 |
| Arizona | $49,990 | $81,230 | $85,470 | 170 |
| Delaware | $73,590 | $78,900 | $95,100 | 130 |
| New Jersey | $76,690 | $78,750 | $79,070 | 410 |
All 40 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against rail car repairers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 49-3043.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.