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Freight Car Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... The Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician role is responsible for the repair of various types of ...

Inspection Specialist

Meridian, MS · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, Union Leasing, CF ... The employee is regularly exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts; fumes or ...

Railcar Repairman

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$23.32/hr

CFR 215 Freight Car Safety Standards * CFR 231 Railroad Safety Appliance Standards * CFR 232 Brake ... Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to successfully perform inspection and repair ...

New

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... The Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician 1 role is responsible for the repair of various types of ...

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... The Mechanical Railcar Repair Technician 1 role is responsible for the repair of various types of ...

Railcar Repairman

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$23.32/hr

CFR 215 Freight Car Safety Standards * CFR 231 Railroad Safety Appliance Standards * CFR 232 Brake ... Demonstrated mechanical aptitude and ability to successfully perform inspection and repair ...

New

Maintenance Mechanics/Welders

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.75 - $31.75/hr

Cranemasters Mechanic-Welder Car repair Location: 3001 Williamsburg Road, Richmond, VA, 23231 ... Demonstrated understanding of major freight car components. * Demonstrated understanding of how to ...

$15 - $19/hr

Sasser family of companies includes subsidiaries Chicago Freight Car Leasing, CF Rail Services ... Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, mechanical, grinding, cleaning, on various types of ...

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Freight Car Mechanic information

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How much do freight car mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight car mechanic in the United States is $24.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.19 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the $160,000 mechanic job that Ford can't fill?

The high-paying $160,000 mechanic job often refers to specialized roles such as heavy-duty truck or locomotive mechanics, including freight car mechanics, who require advanced skills, certifications, and experience. These positions involve working with complex equipment, often in challenging environments, and are in high demand due to a shortage of qualified technicians.

What is the difference between Freight Car Mechanic vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectFreight Car MechanicLocomotive Engineer
CertificationsASE certifications, specialized train car repair licensesEngineer certification, locomotive operation licenses
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, rail yards, maintenance facilitiesLocomotive cabs, train yards, on-track operation
Industry UsageRailroad maintenance, freight companiesTrain operation, freight and passenger services

Freight Car Mechanics focus on repairing and maintaining railcars in repair shops and yards, ensuring safety and functionality. Locomotive Engineers operate trains, controlling movement and safety during transit. While both roles are essential in rail transportation, Freight Car Mechanics handle maintenance, whereas Locomotive Engineers are responsible for train operation.

What are some common challenges faced by freight car mechanics and how can they be addressed?

Freight car mechanics often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, handling heavy equipment, and diagnosing complex mechanical issues. Staying up to date with safety protocols and regularly attending training sessions can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with team members and communicating effectively with supervisors is essential to ensure safe and efficient repairs. Proactively maintaining tools and equipment can also minimize downtime and improve work efficiency.

How much does a rail car mechanic make?

A freight car mechanic typically earns between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled mechanics with certifications and experience in repairing and maintaining rail cars can earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

How to make 100k a year as a mechanic?

A freight car mechanic can earn $100,000 annually by gaining extensive experience, obtaining specialized certifications, and working in high-demand or supervisory roles. Working overtime, specializing in complex repairs, and working for large companies or in regions with higher wages can also increase earning potential.

What is the highest paid car mechanic job?

The highest paid car mechanic jobs are often in specialized fields such as automotive diagnostics, high-performance vehicle repair, or working for luxury brands, with master technicians and those with advanced certifications earning higher salaries. Experience, certifications, and working in affluent areas or for premium brands can significantly increase earning potential.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freight Car Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Car Mechanic, you need a solid understanding of mechanical systems, welding, and blueprint reading, often supported by a high school diploma or technical training. Familiarity with specialized tools, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and compliance with safety standards such as FRA regulations is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure the safe, efficient maintenance and repair of freight cars, minimizing downtime and supporting overall rail operations.

What are Freight Car Mechanics?

Freight Car Mechanics are skilled technicians responsible for inspecting, repairing, and maintaining railroad freight cars to ensure their safe and efficient operation. They examine parts such as brakes, wheels, and couplings, and perform both routine maintenance and emergency repairs. These mechanics often work with specialized tools and equipment, and must adhere to strict safety standards set by the rail industry. Their work is essential for preventing accidents and keeping freight transportation reliable.
More about Freight Car Mechanic jobs
What states have the most Freight Car Mechanic jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Car Mechanic jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freight Car Mechanic jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Car Mechanic jobs are:

Tank Car Repair Technician I

Guardian Rail, LLC

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Summary Description

Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country’s leading freight rail services and transportation companies with a large network of freight and tank car repair facilities, a nationwide network of running repair agents, and a rail services division that operates short line railroads and contract switching and transloading sites. 

Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to customer and industry specifications.  We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on skills and relevant experience.  Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR rules
  • Learn and adhere to all Guardian Rail safety procedures
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner so as to comply with Guardian Rail, OSHA and environmental rules and regulations
  • Follow written and verbal directions
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Possess a thorough understanding of railcar and tank car, components and/or shop work order
  • Understand inventory control
  • Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars and tank cars
  • Apply FRA, AAR Interchange Rules when repairing railcars and tank cars
  • Maintain a high level of quality with an understanding of Guardian Rail's Quality Assurance Program.
  • Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
  • Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxy fuel operation in heating and cutting processes
  • Comply with company's Safety Program by following all in-house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
  • Comply with company's Quality Program by following all in-house quality processes and procedures and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations as well as any client specific procedures
  • Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, manlift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist or hydraulic boom
  • Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight car and MSRP C-III Appendix R & W for tank car utilizing GMAW (Hard wire), FCAW (Flux Core) and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

Qualifications

  • High-school diploma or equivalent
  • Prior experience in an industrial or heavy manufacturing environment
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
  • Must be able to write routine report and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
  • Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
  • Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
  • Must be able to full pass a fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid conditions.  The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out of position pushing, pulling and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks, and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used, with welding equipment used upon qualification of employee.

  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
  • Ability to work in a confined space
  • Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate