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Freight Car Repairman Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Maintenance Mechanics/Welders

Richmond, VA · On-site

$24.75 - $31.75/hr

Demonstrated understanding of major freight car components. * Demonstrated understanding of how to ... the Car Repairman will be subject to work outside of normal working hours including nights ...

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Freight Car Repairman information

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$5

$20

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How much do freight car repairman jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight car repairman in the United States is $20.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.66 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Freight Car Repairman do?

A Freight Car Repairman is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing railroad freight cars to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Their duties include checking for structural damage, replacing worn parts, welding or fabricating metal components, and performing routine maintenance. They work with specialized tools and must follow strict safety and regulatory guidelines. Freight Car Repairmen play a crucial role in keeping rail transportation safe and reliable.

What are some common challenges Freight Car Repairmen face when working on-site, and how can they be addressed?

Freight Car Repairmen often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and may encounter tight deadlines to ensure railcars are repaired and returned to service promptly. Challenges include adhering to strict safety protocols, diagnosing complex mechanical issues, and coordinating repairs with other team members and departments. Staying proactive with ongoing training, using proper protective equipment, and maintaining clear communication with supervisors can help address these challenges and ensure both safety and efficiency on the job.

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

AspectFreight Car RepairmanLocomotive Mechanic
CertificationsTypically requires ASE certifications, specialized training in freight car systemsRequires ASE certifications, locomotive-specific training and certifications
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, rail yards, industrial facilitiesRail yards, repair shops, sometimes on-site at rail facilities
Industry UsagePrimarily in freight rail industry, focusing on freight carsIn freight and passenger rail, focusing on locomotives

Both Freight Car Repairmen and Locomotive Mechanics work in rail maintenance, requiring similar certifications and working in repair shops or rail yards. However, Freight Car Repairmen specialize in freight car systems, while Locomotive Mechanics focus on locomotive engines. Their roles are distinct but complementary within the rail industry.

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

To thrive as a Freight Car Repairman, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of welding and fabrication, and an understanding of railroad safety standards, often acquired through vocational training or apprenticeship. Familiarity with hand and power tools, diagnostic equipment, and certifications such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) compliance are typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are essential soft skills for diagnosing issues and ensuring safe repairs. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain railcar safety, minimize downtime, and support efficient railway operations.
More about Freight Car Repairman jobs
What states have the most Freight Car Repairman jobs? States with the most job openings for Freight Car Repairman jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Freight Car Repairman jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Car Repairman jobs are:
Railcar Repairman (Carman) - Tacoma, WA

Railcar Repairman (Carman) - Tacoma, WA

TTX Company

Tacoma, WA • On-site

$28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


TTX Company rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 142 rated vehicle equipment hire


Job description

Job Description
Railcar Repairman (Carman)
JOB DESCRIPTION:
• Repairs, modifies, and upgrades rail cars.
• Rebuilds car components: bolsters, side framers, hitch heads, and box car doors.
• Welds (30% of time), fabricates, and uses a cutting torch.
• Performs mechanical labor (frequently - 95% of time).
• Repairs and maintains railcars, according to blueprints and other specifications, using hand tools, power tools, and precision measuring instruments. Inspects machines and equipment visually by touch, special knowledge, and training, to locate causes of trouble.
• Operates forklift to move, align, and set in place parts in place.
• Measures, cuts, and threads pipes and replaces air lines using hand tools.
• Assembles subassemblies, major components, and equipment. Checks the function to test for proper operation.
• Repairs broken parts using hand tools and welding equipment.
• Enters car repair information via electronic keyboard system.
MARGINAL FUNCTIONS:
• Maintains a clean work environment.
• May set up and operate metalworking tools, such as a welder or grinder.
• All other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
• Must perform each job to specified time standards.
• Work must be done to the customer's requirements (AAR, FMO, FRA, TTX, etc., standards).
• Must comply with all work rules.
• Must work safely and not cause a threat to the health and safety of oneself and others.
MACHINE/EQUIPMENT/TOOLS USED:
• Circular saw.
• Air impacts 1/2", 3/4", 1"; Air grinders 4", 7", 9"; Air or hydraulic portable power pump and ram used regularly.
• Various hand tools are used frequently.
• Cutting torch used for cutting frequently; heating torch used while bending regularly; side grinder used for grinding regularly; hoist used for lifting regularly; winch used for pulling regularly.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT:
• Steel-toe shoes, hard hat, earplugs, safety glasses, welding shield, burning goggles, grinding shield, and proper clothing (long-sleeved shirts and long pants while welding).
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Physical abilities (approximate times - vary slightly by location): standing, hearing, and seeing for 8 or 10 hours; handling for 6 hours; walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and fingering for 5 hours; reaching below waist, twisting, and feeling for 2 hours; sitting, climbing, balancing, crawling, reaching over head, and talking for 1 hour. Frequently: standing, kneeling, stretching, reaching, gripping tools or objects, and bending at the waist.
• Regularly: walking, crouching, and twisting while standing. Occasionally: sitting, crawling, and twisting while sitting for 1 hour or less.
• Lifting: car parts from 1-80 lbs. throughout the day (lifting 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally).
• Wrenches weighing up to 10 lbs. to tighten bolts (occasionally - 4 hours).
4. Pulling: 10-25 lbs. frequently; 25-50 lbs. regularly; over 50 lbs. occasionally; carrying 50-75 lbs.
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Knowledge: mechanical skills.
• Skills: welding and cutting.
• Mental factors: decision-making and reasoning; intermediate (such as determining when parts should be repaired); planning and scheduling - limited; compiling/classifying/gathering information - intermediate; short-term memory - intermediate.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Working environment: Requires outdoor work (8 or 10 hours/day; exposure to heat, cold/humidity; working at heights regularly; working around moving machinery occasionally.
• Environmental Conditions: Exposure to welding and burning fumes, odors, dust, gases, and uncomfortable noises from welding and burning (10 hours/day); working in hot temperatures regularly; working in cold temperatures occasionally; driving automotive equipment occasionally; working with oil and grease regularly; working with vibrations regularly; and working alone occasionally.
• Hazard Exposure: Mechanical from tools; electrical from welders; and radiant energy from torches frequently (10 hours/day).
WORKING SCHEDULE:
• 8 to 10-hour shifts; work hours and rest days may change regularly.
REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:
• Reports to the line supervisor or work group supervisor.
PAY RATE:
• The pay rate for the Railcar Repairman position begins at $28/hour. Pay rate is determined based on Carman/Journeyman status.
DISCLAIMER:
Management reserves the right to modify or adjust duties and essential functions at any time based on operational needs.
The frequency of essential and marginal functions, use of equipment/tools, physical requirements, and working conditions may vary depending on railcar type, weather, and location-specific restrictions. However, all Maintenance Specialists are expected to perform the same core responsibilities. #IND123
About Us
TTX Company is a leading provider of railcars and related freight car management services to the North American rail industry. TTX's pool of railcars is ideal for supporting shippers in the intermodal, automotive, paper & forest, metals, machinery, wind energy and other markets where flatcars, boxcars and gondolas are required.
TTX's generous Total Rewards package includes Paid Time Off, Health, Dental and Vision benefits, and 401(k) with company match. This position participates in Railroad Retirement.
TTX Company is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.
About the Team
What we do:
Provide reliable, cost effective an innovative railcar solutions for the markets we serve.
  • Ensure an injury-free work place.
  • Build and develop a highly capable team of subject matter experts and leaders at every level in our organization.
  • Bring new product and process innovation to the rail car industry.
  • Continuously improve our products, processes and systems in a cost effective manner by using modern design techniques and data analytics.
  • Achieve, maintain and support cross company alignment with the TTX company mission statement.

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