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Light Rail Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Light Rail Vehicle Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$37.14 - $46.43/hr

Light Rail Maintenance CLOSING DATE: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description AN ELIGIBILITY LIST WILL BE CREATED FROM THIS RECRUITMENT TO BE USED IN FILLING FUTURE VACANCIES Effectively uses a variety ...

Knowledge of various rail modes such as Commuter Rail, Light Rail, and / or Streetcar preferred * Knowledge of Maintenance of Equipment (DMUs and EMUs) and Maintenance of Way (Track, Signaling and ...

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Light Rail Maintenance information

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$12

$31

$56

How much do light rail maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail maintenance in the United States is $31.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.08 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is light rail maintenance?

Light rail maintenance refers to the routine inspection, repair, and servicing of light rail vehicles and infrastructure. This work ensures the safe and efficient operation of trains by addressing mechanical, electrical, and structural issues. Maintenance tasks include checking tracks, signaling systems, vehicle components, and station facilities. Technicians play a crucial role in preventing breakdowns and ensuring passenger safety through regular upkeep and prompt repairs.

What are some common challenges faced by Light Rail Maintenance technicians, and how are they typically addressed?

Light Rail Maintenance technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex electrical or mechanical issues, working in varying weather conditions, and adhering to tight maintenance schedules to minimize service disruptions. To address these, technicians are provided with ongoing technical training, access to diagnostic tools, and safety protocols. Collaboration with operations and engineering teams is also essential to quickly resolve issues and ensure the reliability and safety of the rail system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Maintenance Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Maintenance Technician, you need strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, problem-solving skills, and typically a vocational qualification or associate degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, maintenance management systems, and safety certifications such as OSHA are commonly required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are important to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of light rail systems, minimizing service disruptions and maintaining public safety.

What is the difference between Light Rail Maintenance vs Bus Maintenance?

AspectLight Rail MaintenanceBus Maintenance
CredentialsTechnical certifications, ASE or transit-specific trainingASE certifications, diesel engine training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, stations, specialized maintenance facilitiesBus depots, garages, road-side repairs
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, rail operatorsPublic transit agencies, private bus companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Both Light Rail Maintenance and Bus Maintenance involve vehicle repair and preventive upkeep, but they differ mainly in the vehicle types and work environments. Light Rail Maintenance focuses on rail vehicles in rail-specific facilities, while Bus Maintenance deals with diesel or alternative fuel buses in bus depots. Skills and certifications overlap, but the tools and systems used are specialized for each vehicle type.

More about Light Rail Maintenance jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail Maintenance jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail Maintenance job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Maintenance jobs are:
Infographic showing various Light Rail Maintenance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,662 per year, or $31.6 per hour.
Light Rail Vehicle Technician

$37.14 - $46.43/hr

Other

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

SALARY: $37.14 - $46.43 Hourly
LOCATION: 2700 Academy Way Sacramento, CA
JOB TYPE: Full Time
JOB NUMBER: 2026-JUN26IE
DEPARTMENT: Light Rail Maintenance
CLOSING DATE: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Description
AN ELIGIBILITY LIST WILL BE CREATED FROM THIS RECRUITMENT TO BE USED IN FILLING FUTURE VACANCIES
Effectively uses a variety of hand, power, pneumatic, and computer diagnostic tools and testing instruments to independently troubleshoot, maintain, repair and overhaul a variety of light rail vehicles (LRVs) to include specialized systems and components as well as related equipment, machinery, and tools, fare vending machines, and other vehicles owned and operated by the District; troubleshoots emergencies and/or operational problems, diagnoses problems and responds to off-site emergencies; may provide technical direction and/or functional supervision to less experienced employees; practices safe work processes and contributes to the creation and maintenance of a safe working environment for self and others; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Examples of Duties
Inspects, tests, diagnoses, maintains, repairs, modifies, and overhauls all systems and components of LRVs and other District equipment; uses electrical/electronic testing and diagnostic equipment and associated tools to inspect, troubleshoot, and maintain LRVs; interprets test results to diagnose malfunctions; plans troubleshooting procedures using schematics, diagrams, technical manuals, and expertise; installs, maintains, repairs and modifies electrical wiring and equipment such as motors, generators, HVAC climate control units, and related electronic systems; repairs/overhauls hydraulic, pneumatic, and electric brake systems, gear drive units, wheels, bearings, cam shaft controller unit, and other related equipment; replaces and/or repairs accessory parts such as headlights, mirrors, windows, seats, and performs door adjustments; maintains, modifies and repairs fare vending machines; replaces consumables, tests, repairs and modifies electrical, mechanical and electronic systems, including component repair to Printed Circuit Boards (PCB's); maintains and repairs re-rail equipment, shop machinery, and power tools, as assigned; energizes and de-energizes the overhead traction power system within the maintenance shop and adjacent yard areas when required for testing, maintenance, and repair of LRVs; operates LRVs in yard or on mainline to safely return LRV to the maintenance facility and to verify performance specifications; line routes, operates and moves LRVs and traction equipment as required for testing, servicing and performing repairs; safely operates a variety of District vehicles and equipment in the normal performance of duties; as directed, operates re-railing equipment and acts as flag person for the protection of the public, employees and trains during emergencies and rerouting of trains; documents and records work activities such as repairs made, parts usage and work in progress; and performs other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. SacRT reserves the right to determine the equivalences of education and experience.  
Education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible journey level full-time work experience successfully performing mechanical, electrical, and electronic diagnostic, maintenance and repair functions on large and complex vehicles, machinery and/or equipment; or successful completion of District-sponsored certification and training program. Prior experience working on Light Rail Vehicles or related equipment is highly desirable.
Special Requirements, Licenses and/or Certificates: Possession of an LRV Mechanic A rating and/or possession of a Regional Transit Certification of ability to diagnose, repair, and overhaul electrical and mechanical systems for light rail vehicles and other support equipment; possession of a Class A California Driver's License permit with endorsement(s) on the first day of appointment, and the ability to obtain a Class A California Driver's License with endorsement(s) within 90 days of appointment; a satisfactory driving record; possession of a Forklift Operator  Certification or the ability to obtain a forklift certificate within 90 days of appointment, if required; ability to pass and maintain Regional Transit's examination for LRV Operator's License; pass the Ishihara Eye Test; obtain EPA 608 Type 2 Certification within 90 days of appointment; required to obtain  the tools for the Light Rail Vehicle Technician by the end of the probationary period.
Filing Instructions/Supplemental Information
The minimum qualifications as stated on this job announcement represent only the basic requirements of the position. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited to participate in other examination segments of the selection process. An employment application is required for this position. Applications, job announcements, and copies of the complete job description are available at our website at www.sacrt.com.
A completed employment application must be submitted online no later than Monday, July 27, 2026, at ll:59 p.m. SacRT will not process incomplete applications. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application but may be included with the application.  For more information on benefits, a summary sheet is available from the Human Resources Department. The Human Resources Department will make reasonable efforts in the recruitment process to accommodate candidates with disabilities. For more information, contact the Human Resources Department at 916-556-0298.
Note: Although the use of certain controlled substances is now legal in California for both recreational and/or medicinal purposes, if you are not able to pass a pre-employment drug screening, you will not be considered for this position.    
SacRT has a stand-alone pension plan which is not part of, nor does it have reciprocity with CalPERS.
SacRT is an Equal Opportunity Employer EOE

This position falls under the IBEW, Local 1245 Collective Bargaining Unit.