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Locomotive Maintenance Jobs (NOW HIRING)

APP RAILCAR GROUP

Locomotive Diesel Mechanic

Parkersburg, WV · On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

Summary Description The person in this position will inspect, service, and maintain diesel locomotives and on-track equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations, diagnose diesel ...

Guardian Rail, LLC

Locomotive Diesel Mechanic

Parkersburg, WV · On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

Summary Description The person in this position will inspect, service, and maintain diesel locomotives and on-track equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations, diagnose diesel ...

Marmon Holdings, Inc.

$26 - $30/hr

This is a full-time, hands-on mechanical role critical to maintaining reliable locomotive equipment and supporting safe, efficient customer operations. Tools and a company truck are provided by ...

G&W

Manager, Mechanical

Deerfield, MA · On-site

$80K/yr

This person manages the maintenance and repair of locomotives and railcars so that they meet FRA standards, while reducing life-cycle costs and increasing reliability and availability.

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Mechanic

Norwood, OH

$28.87/hr

The person in this position inspects, services, and maintains diesel locomotives in accordance with federal and company regulations, diagnoses diesel-engine malfunctions, and makes indicated repairs ...

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Locomotive Maintenance information

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$5

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How much do locomotive maintenance jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive maintenance in the United States is $29.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a locomotive technician make?

A locomotive technician typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. They perform maintenance and repairs on trains and related equipment, often working in shifts and requiring technical skills with diagnostic tools.

What is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives or specialized roles like locomotive engineers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced certifications, technical skills, and years of experience, and they can offer salaries exceeding six figures annually.

What is the highest paid maintenance job?

In locomotive maintenance, senior roles such as locomotive maintenance managers or chief engineers tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $80,000 annually. These positions require extensive experience, certifications, and technical skills in diesel and electric locomotive systems, and they typically oversee maintenance operations and compliance standards.

What is the difference between Locomotive Maintenance vs Railroad Car Maintenance?

AspectLocomotive MaintenanceRailroad Car Maintenance
CertificationsASE certifications, diesel mechanic licensesASE certifications, general mechanic licenses
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, rail yards, on-site locomotive facilitiesRail yards, maintenance shops, on-site repair facilities
Industry UsageFocuses on engines and mechanical systems of locomotivesFocuses on the structural and mechanical systems of railcars
Common Search/ComparisonLocomotive Maintenance vs Railroad Car Maintenance

Locomotive Maintenance technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining locomotives, focusing on engines and mechanical systems. Railroad Car Maintenance workers, on the other hand, focus on railcars' structural and mechanical components. Both roles require similar certifications and often work in rail yards or repair shops, but their specific duties differ based on the equipment they service.

What are some common challenges faced in a locomotive maintenance role, and how can they be managed effectively?

One of the main challenges in locomotive maintenance is troubleshooting complex mechanical and electrical systems under time constraints, especially when locomotives are needed back in service quickly. Working with heavy machinery in sometimes adverse weather conditions also requires a strong focus on safety and attention to detail. Collaboration with engineers, conductors, and other team members is essential to coordinate repairs and minimize downtime. Staying up-to-date with the latest diagnostic technologies and maintenance procedures can help technicians address these challenges more efficiently.

How to become a locomotive technician?

To become a locomotive technician, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a technical training program or apprenticeship in locomotive maintenance. Certification from industry organizations and familiarity with tools, safety procedures, and diagnostic equipment are also important for employment in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Locomotive Maintenance, and why are they important?

To thrive in Locomotive Maintenance, you need strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, and typically a technical diploma or apprenticeship in diesel technology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic software, hand and power tools, and safety protocols is essential, along with certifications like FRA compliance or ASE Diesel certifications. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for minimizing errors and ensuring workplace safety. These skills ensure efficient locomotive operation, regulatory compliance, and safe rail transport.

What is locomotive maintenance?

Locomotive maintenance refers to the regular inspection, repair, and servicing of locomotives to ensure their safe and efficient operation. This work includes checking and repairing mechanical, electrical, and control systems, as well as performing preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns. Maintenance tasks can range from routine oil changes and brake inspections to major overhauls of engines and components. Skilled technicians follow strict safety and regulatory standards to keep locomotives in peak condition and minimize downtime for rail operations.
More about Locomotive Maintenance jobs
What states have the most Locomotive Maintenance jobs? States with the most job openings for Locomotive Maintenance jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Locomotive Maintenance jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Locomotive Maintenance jobs are:
Locomotive Maintenance jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locomotive Maintenance job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Locum Tenens, 8% Internship, 76% As Needed, 8% Full Time, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $61,577 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Locomotive Diesel Mechanic

APP RAILCAR GROUP

Parkersburg, WV • On-site

$24.50 - $32.50/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Summary Description
The person in this position will inspect, service, and maintain diesel locomotives and on-track equipment in accordance with federal and company regulations, diagnose diesel-engine malfunctions, and make indicated repairs using hand tools, measuring instruments, and sometimes machine tools. He/she may operate mechanical equipment to assemble, repair, and fabricate metal parts and will be required to qualify as a shop-service locomotive engineer in accordance with FRA standards.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety and operations, and with Federal Railroad Administration standards.
  • Perform daily inspections, servicing, and maintenance on diesel-electric locomotives, on-track equipment and other equipment, including but not limited to performing scheduled and preventative maintenance as determined by company policy; fueling, checking, and changing oil and liquid levels; changing filters for engine air, air compressor, fuel, and lube oil; replacing and maintaining engine components, traction motors, generators, air compressors, wheels, and truck components; and washing and cleaning locomotives as necessary.
  • Be responsible for following FRA regulations pertaining to locomotive maintenance and inspection as well as railroad environmental requirements.
  • Maintain required FRA documentation, of all periodic inspections and repairs.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose malfunctions in diesel engines, air equipment, electrical equipment, trucks, or other components; repair or replace as necessary.
  • Perform locomotive car-body repairs as necessary, including performing metal fabrication and welding.
  • Operate forklifts, light cranes, power tools, and hydraulic tools while working outside in all weather conditions, in confined spaces, and/or at elevated heights.
  • Assist with other projects and perform other duties as assigned.

#Indeed123
Required Skills and/or Experience
  • Experience with FRA regulations pertaining to locomotive maintenance and inspection
  • Experience with railroad environmental requirements
  • Two years of relevant work experience as a heavy mechanic
  • Ability to read and comprehend written and oral instructions
  • Computer skills, electronic recordkeeping

Required Education and/or Credentials
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Certification from a Diesel Mechanic Program
  • Four-year journeyman locomotive machinist/mechanic a plus.
  • Locomotive Service Engineer certification a plus.
  • Welding certification a plus
  • At least eighteen years of age
  • Valid driver's license
  • Ability to travel up to 50%

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