Rail car repairers
SOC Code: 49-3043Also known as:
Air Brake Adjuster, Air Brake Man, Air Brake Mechanic, Air Brake Rigger, Air Brake Worker
Median Annual Salary
$65,680
+2.8% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
18K
Current Jobs
What Rail car repairers Do
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
💰 Salary
$65,680
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+2.8%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Long-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
17,900
Projected Employment (2034)
18,400
Related Careers
Automotive service technicians and mechanics
$49,670 •
+4.2% growth
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists
$60,640 •
+2.4% growth
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines
$63,980 •
+5.8% growth
Maintenance workers, machinery
$60,500 •
-2.8% growth
Engine and other machine assemblers
$52,540 •
-21.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Equipment Maintenance
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
- Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Rail car repairers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a rail car repairers:
Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician
814 degrees awarded •
48 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Rail car repairers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become rail car repairers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do rail car repairers make?
The median annual salary for rail car repairers is $65,680.
What education do rail car repairers need?
Most rail car repairers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Is becoming rail car repairers a good career choice?
Rail car repairers is projected to see +2.8% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for rail car repairers?
Top colleges for aspiring rail car repairers include
Immokalee Technical College, Clinton Essex Warren Washington BOCES, Lincoln College of Technology-Nashville, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, Central Piedmont Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to rail car repairers?
Rail car repairers may also be known as: Air Brake Adjuster, Air Brake Man, Air Brake Mechanic, Air Brake Rigger, Air Brake Worker, Air Compressor Mechanic, Air Valve Mechanic, Air Valve Repairer, Brake Adjuster, Brake Liner, Brake Reliner, Brake Shoe Rebuilder, Brake Specialist, Breaker Mechanic, Coach Mechanic, Compressor Mechanic, Controller Mechanic, Drop Pit Worker, Freight Car Builder, Freight Car Repairer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.