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Freight Car Repair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... derailments, car repair, load adjust/transfer and track maintenance/repair and new build ... of freight car components. * Must pass qualification tests as required (includes: ERail Safe and ...

Demonstrated knowledge of capabilities and uses of various types of rigging and general understanding of freight car components. * Must pass qualification tests as required (includes: ERail Safe and ...

Demonstrated knowledge of capabilities and uses of various types of rigging and general understanding of freight car components. * Must pass qualification tests as required (includes: ERail Safe and ...

Mechanical Field Inspector

TX · Remote

$25.75 - $34.25/hr

Summary The Mechanical Field Inspector is a technical and regulatory authority responsible for ensuring freight car construction, repair, modification, and maintenance performed by contracted ...

Inspection Specialist

Meridian, MS · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

AAR Billing Repair Card for Interchange Rules * FRA Freight Car Safety Standards * Lettering and Marking * Freight Car Inspection Overview * Basics of Railroad Wheels * Car Air Brakes (chalk talk two)

In this role, you will perform maintenance, repair, fabrication, and welding work on railroad cars ... of freight car components, AAR Field Manual, and industry safety regulations (including Blue Flag ...

In this role, you will perform maintenance, repair, fabrication, and welding work on railroad cars ... of freight car components, AAR Field Manual, and industry safety regulations (including Blue Flag ...

In this role, you will perform maintenance, repair, fabrication, and welding work on railroad cars ... • Knowledge of freight car components, AAR Field Manual, and industry safety regulations ...

Mechanical Field Inspector

OR · On-site

$26 - $34.50/hr

Summary The Mechanical Field Inspector is a technical and regulatory authority responsible for ensuring freight car construction, repair, modification, and maintenance performed by contracted ...

In this role, you will perform maintenance, repair, fabrication, and welding work on railroad cars ... • Knowledge of freight car components, AAR Field Manual, and industry safety regulations ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freight Car Repair information

See salary details

$25.5K

$66.7K

$117K

How much do freight car repair jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for freight car repair in the United States is $66,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Freight Car Repair Technician, you need mechanical aptitude, knowledge of railroad safety standards, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent with specialized training in welding or mechanics. Familiarity with tools such as hydraulic jacks, welding equipment, and diagnostic systems is crucial, and certifications like FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) compliance may be required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure safe, efficient repairs and maintenance, reducing downtime and supporting the safe operation of rail freight.

What are some of the common challenges faced by freight car repair technicians on the job?

Freight car repair technicians often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may need to perform physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy parts and working in confined spaces. They must adhere to strict safety regulations while diagnosing and repairing mechanical issues, which can sometimes be complex due to the age or condition of the railcars. Additionally, technicians frequently collaborate with other team members to ensure repairs meet quality and regulatory standards, making strong communication skills essential. Keeping up with evolving technology and regulatory requirements is also an important, ongoing challenge in this role.

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

AspectFreight Car RepairLocomotive Mechanic
Required CertificationsASE certifications, welding licensesASE certifications, diesel engine certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, repair shops, outdoorRail yards, repair shops, outdoor
Industry UsageFreight rail companies, maintenance facilitiesRailroads, freight and passenger train operators

Freight Car Repair and Locomotive Mechanic roles both involve maintaining and repairing rail equipment, often in similar environments. However, Freight Car Repair focuses on freight cars, requiring specific certifications like welding, while Locomotive Mechanics specialize in diesel engines and locomotive systems. Both careers demand technical skills and work in rail yards or repair shops, but they serve different parts of the rail industry.

What are freight car repairers?

Freight car repairers are skilled technicians who inspect, maintain, and repair railroad freight cars to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Their work includes fixing mechanical issues, replacing damaged parts, performing routine maintenance, and adhering to safety regulations. Freight car repairers play a crucial role in the railroad industry by preventing accidents and minimizing train delays caused by faulty equipment.
More about Freight Car Repair jobs
What cities are hiring for Freight Car Repair jobs? Cities with the most Freight Car Repair job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Car Repair jobs? The most popular types of Freight Car Repair jobs are:
What states have the most Freight Car Repair jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Car Repair jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freight Car Repair jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Car Repair jobs are:
Infographic showing various Freight Car Repair job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 18% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $66,677 per year, or $32.1 per hour.
Supervisor- Car repair

Supervisor- Car repair

Cranemasters

Merrillville, IN • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Description
As a full-service railroad contractor, Cranemasters aspires to be the industry leader by providing the most diversified offering of support services and equipment. This diversification allows Cranemasters to offer a "one stop shop" to our customers, adding value to their businesses while being easy to use. Through innovative engineering and sound business practices, we are dedicated to meeting our customers' needs in a safe, professional, cost effective, and expeditious manner while developing employees in an environment built on teamwork and mutual respect. Learn more at www.cranemasters.com.
Responsibilities
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Responsible for leading field operations for service delivery in response to derailments, car repair, load adjust/transfer and track maintenance/repair and new build assignments. Supervises and trains work crew ensuring that job assignments are carried out with an emphasis on safety. Ensures that work crew performs tasks as directed for efficiency while meeting all standards for quality. Responsible for submission of timely/accurate project reports and data necessary for payroll. Ensures that all activities are carried out in a safe, effective, professional, and efficient manner so as to protect employees and the assets of the Company.
HOW YOU MAKE AN IMPACT
  • Conducts daily job briefing reinforcing Cranemasters commitment to safety of employees by identifying potential risks, correction of any hazardous conditions, ensuring that PPE is worn and striving to eliminate employee injuries through awareness and commitment to safe job performance.
  • Distributes work assignments. Ensures that crew members have materials, tools and/or equipment as needed to carryout assigned tasks.
  • Actively participates in oversight of task accomplishment as required for project completion ensuring that all work meets Cranemasters quality standards. Directs assignments and equipment operation including manual labor for safe completion of project.
  • Directly interacts with railroad customers at all levels (managers, superintendents, engineers, etc.). Ensures professional interaction through proactive communication and follow-ups on project status.
  • Ensures that all required reports/data/documentation is collected, accurate, and submitted on a timely basis. Includes: payroll data, equipment usage, project reports, etc.
  • Ensures that Cranemasters policies, procedures and work processes are carried out according to established policy. Trains employees to ensure that they understand policies and procedures and comply as needed for smooth operations and flow of communications across the organization.
  • Provides coaching/counseling/feedback to employees to further develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities. Provides on-the-job training ensuring that employees enhance their technical skills and interpersonal/communication skills.
  • Assesses employee performance in order to conduct performance reviews. Meets with employee to provide accurate and valuable feedback regarding job performance. Identifies training needs and goals for further development of employee's skills and works to ensure that employee is afforded opportunity during the upcoming review period to attain these goals.
  • Monitors equipment/vehicles to minimize down town and to ensure operational readiness. Reports any out of service issues to Shop Manager or Foreman immediately.
  • Completes weekly safety observations.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
  • 2 years progressively responsible experience in railroad industry including solid knowledge of D.O.T. regulations including permitting for overweight and oversized loads, FRA regulations, and Cranemasters safety policies and procedures.
  • Must possess a valid drivers' license with preference for possession of Class A or Class B Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
  • Possesses technical skills in operation of multiple pieces of equipment including cranes, trucks, trailers, backhoes, excavators, etc. and be able to train others in their operation.
  • Computer skills (including MS Office programs) and ability to learn additional software as required for operational needs including submission of project reports, payroll data, labor hours, etc.
  • Strong and proactive communication skills as necessary to coach/counsel/provide feedback to employees, conduct job briefings, debriefings and communicate as necessary to improve and enhance the culture of the organization.
  • Demonstrated ability to read and understand crane load charts. Demonstrated knowledge of capabilities and uses of various types of rigging and general understanding of freight car components.
  • Must pass qualification tests as required (includes: ERail Safe and other training/safety programs).
  • Must meet 24/7 availability in order to respond to emergency calls for service including weekends and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
  • Constantly on feet
  • Walking on uneven surfaces and in ballast.
  • Working in ALL weather conditions.
  • Working extended hours.
  • Regular bending, twisting, stooping, standing, and / or walking.
  • Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds; loads in excess of 50 pounds and which can be reduced, should be made lighter.

NOTE: Cranemasters is a 24/7 emergency service provider to the railroad industry and as such, the Driver/Operator is subject to work outside of normal working hours including nights, weekends and/or holidays.