Rail Car Repairers
O*NET 49-3043.00 · SOC 49-3043
Rail Car Repairer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $68k a year with +2.6% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 1,600 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Inspect rail car wheels and axles for wear or cracks
- →Repair and replace rail car couplers and draft gear
- →Weld cracked or broken rail car frames and components
- →Test and repair air brake systems on freight cars
- →Replace worn truck bolsters and side bearings on rail cars
Education & How to Get In
Rail Car Repairer roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
Get Started Learning
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Rail Car Repairer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Rail Car Repairer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Rail Car Repairer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Rail Car Repairers is projected to grow 2.6% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
- ·Industry sector with low automation exposure
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Rail Car Repairer make?
The median Rail Car Repairer earns $68k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Rail Car Repairer jobs?
Our model puts Rail Car Repairer at 42 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 38% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 47% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Rail Car Repairer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 2.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 1,600 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Rail Car Repairer?
Most Rail Car Repairer roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Rail Car Repairer?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Rail Car Repairer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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