Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Rail Car Repairers
SOC: 49-3043 O*NET: 49-3043.00
Median Salary
$65,680
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.8%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
What does a Rail Car Repairers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$45,670
10th percentile
Early Career
$51,640
25th percentile
Median
$65,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$80,150
75th percentile
Top Earners
$92,000
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$45,670
25th
$51,640
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$65,680
Mean: $67,610
75th
$80,150
90th
$92,000
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $46,330 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $51,640 and $80,150
- •Salary spread is 43.4% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 18,300 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:17,900
Top Industries
Rail Transportation53.7%
Rail Transportation53.7%
Support Activities for Transportation31.4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.8%
Annual Openings:1,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)17,900
Current
2034 (Projected)18,400
+2.8%
+500
Employment Change
+2.8%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Rail Car Repairers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 40 locations
Texas
2,190 jobs$58,5001.33x
New York
1,560 jobs$85,1601.37x
Illinois
1,440 jobs$73,4802.00x
Pennsylvania
1,000 jobs$55,7901.40x
Georgia
670 jobs$60,0501.16x
Kentucky
670 jobs$57,1802.85x
California
650 jobs$66,7400.30x
Massachusetts
620 jobs$97,6601.43x
Nebraska
610 jobs$66,4405.10x
Florida
500 jobs$66,7600.43x
Maryland
490 jobs$84,8401.49x
Ohio
480 jobs$52,1600.73x
Minnesota
390 jobs$79,3301.13x
New Jersey
380 jobs$76,7400.75x
Michigan
380 jobs$58,6800.74x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Repairing
100%
#2
Troubleshooting
92%
#3
Equipment Maintenance
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
78%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
70%
#6
Operations Monitoring
62%
#7
Operation and Control
56%
#8
Active Listening
48%
#9
Speaking
40%
Skills Overview
Repairing
advanced5.0
100%
Troubleshooting
advanced4.6
92%
Equipment Maintenance
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.9
78%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.5
70%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.1
62%
Operation and Control
basic2.8
56%
Active Listening
basic2.4
48%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Repairing
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Troubleshooting
advancedImportance92%
skills
4.6/5.0
Equipment Maintenance
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance78%
abilities
3.9/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
intermediateImportance70%
skills
3.5/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance62%
skills
3.1/5.0
Operation and Control
basicImportance56%
abilities
2.8/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance48%
skills
2.4/5.0
Speaking
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners80%
5 shared skills
Watch and Clock Repairers80%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Equipment Operators78%
5 shared skills
Avionics Technicians73%
5 shared skills
Boilermakers73%
5 shared skills
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists73%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Operations Monitoring
- →Operation and Control
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Troubleshooting
- ✓Equipment Maintenance
- ✓Repairing
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Troubleshooting
- ★Equipment Maintenance
- ★Repairing
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Critical Thinking
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Rail Car Repairers
Technology Intensity
High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires advanced digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Adobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMozilla Firefox
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Office software
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Windows
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft PowerPoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Mozilla Firefox
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
20
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (16)Documentation & Record-Keeping (2)Operations & Execution (1)Training & Development (1)
1
Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Test units for operability before and after repairs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform96%
4
Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities88% perform92%
6
Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution79% perform86%
9
Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •35% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Rail Car Repairers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Rail Car Repairers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Rail Car Repairers
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.09
Adaptability/Flexibility
ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level3.77
Attention to Detail
ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level3.73
Independence
ImportantIndependence
Importance Level3.66
Innovation
ImportantInnovation
Importance Level3.63
Initiative
ImportantInitiative
Importance Level3.53
Complete Work Styles Profile
Dependability
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
Attention to Detail
3.7
Independence
3.7
Innovation
3.6
Initiative
3.5
Cooperation
3.5
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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