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Locomotive Repair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and service locomotives and locomotive components. * Follow all applicable railroad safety rules, operating procedures, and FRA requirements. * Follow ...

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Locomotive Repair information

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$5

$29

$44

How much do locomotive repair jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive repair 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.

What does a locomotive repair technician do?

Locomotive repair technicians are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing diesel or electric locomotives to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. Their tasks can include diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, replacing worn-out parts, performing routine maintenance, and ensuring that locomotives meet safety and regulatory standards. These professionals often work with specialized tools and diagnostic equipment, and their work is crucial for the reliable operation of rail transport.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a locomotive repair technician?

To thrive as a Locomotive Repair Technician, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of diesel and electric engine systems, and typically a high school diploma or technical certification in diesel technology or a related field. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, computerized maintenance management systems (CMMS), and welding or fabrication equipment is common in this role. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills for success. These abilities ensure safe, efficient, and reliable maintenance of locomotives, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth rail operations.

What are some common challenges faced by locomotive repair technicians in their daily work?

Locomotive repair technicians often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical and electrical issues, working in various weather conditions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. The work frequently involves troubleshooting under time constraints to minimize equipment downtime, which can be physically demanding and require meticulous attention to detail. Collaborating with other team members, such as engineers and inspectors, is essential for coordinating repairs and ensuring locomotives meet regulatory standards.

What is the difference between Locomotive Repair vs Railroad Car Technician?

AspectLocomotive RepairRailroad Car Technician
CertificationsASE certifications, diesel mechanic licensesASE certifications, mechanical or electrical certifications
Work EnvironmentRepair shops, rail yards, on-site locomotive facilitiesRail yards, maintenance facilities, on-site repair locations
Industry UsagePrimarily focused on locomotive engines and systemsPrimarily focused on passenger and freight cars
Job FocusEngine repair, electrical systems, mechanical troubleshootingCar body repairs, electrical systems, interior maintenance

Locomotive Repair specialists focus on maintaining and repairing locomotive engines and systems, often requiring diesel mechanic skills and certifications. Railroad Car Technicians, on the other hand, concentrate on passenger and freight cars, handling body repairs and electrical systems. Both roles are essential in rail industry maintenance but differ in their specific focus and work environments.

Are locomotive repair technicians in demand?

Locomotive repair technicians are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for maintenance and repair of freight and passenger trains. Employment opportunities are often available in transportation companies, railroads, and maintenance facilities, especially for those with technical skills and certifications in diesel or electric locomotive systems.
More about Locomotive Repair jobs

What states have the most Locomotive Repair jobs?

States with the most job openings for Locomotive Repair jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Locomotive Repair jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Locomotive Repair jobs are:

Infographic showing various Locomotive Repair job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 88% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,577 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Mobile Locomotive Mechanic

PowerRail Distribution Inc

Exeter, PA โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Company Description
PowerRail Locomotive Services is a division of PowerRail - North America's leader for manufacturing and distributing locomotive parts to the global railroad market. Our Locomotive Service Techs travel to customer sites to perform maintenance, repairs or upgrades on locomotives.
WE ARE AN EMPLOYEE-OWNED COMPANY
We offer:
  • Competitive compensation.
  • Excellent benefits including health, dental, vision, life, disability, Flex Spending, 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership with profit sharing
  • Stimulating work environment with unlimited growth potential.

Job Description
ADVANTAGES OF WORKING WITH Powerrail
AMAZING PAY OPPORTUNITIES
  • Work on the latest equipment in the industry! Average truck age is 2 years.
  • Advancement opportunities available
  • 1.5x for overtime after 40 hours

Benefits
  • Employee stock ownership plan
  • 401(k) plan
  • Company-paid Life insurance
  • Company-paid Disability insurance
  • Company-subsidized Health insurance
  • Dental/vision insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health savings account
  • Paid vacation and personal time off
  • Paid Holidays
  • Wellness program
  • Employee Discounts
  • Opportunities for advancement
  • Service Truck and Uniforms
  • Annual work boot reimbursement
  • Positive Caring Culture

Details
Our Locomotive Service Techs travel to customer sites to perform maintenance, repairs or upgrades on locomotives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Repair, maintain or upgrade locomotives at customer sites.
  • Communicate with Field Manager using cell phone and internet.
  • Fill out work orders and document parts used and labor times for repairs completed.
  • Drive service truck from home to service site and return to home. Keep service truck fueled and complete proper maintenance to keep service truck operational. Keep service truck clean.
  • Keep service truck parts inventoried and restock parts as needed. This includes taking along parts that may be needed to complete repairs on site.

Qualifications
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to operate shop tools and air tools. (Required)
  • Driver's License (Required)
  • Operate a service truck. (Required)
  • Ability to read locomotive service manuals. (Required)
  • Ability to read an electrical Schematic: (Preferred)
  • Welding ( Preferred)
  • Able to work independently. (Required)
  • Ability to lift in excess of 100 lbs. (Required)
  • Work authorization (Required)
  • Must pass pre-employment and random drug screens, criminal background check, and annual driver's licenses review.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
  • Minimum of 2 years diesel mechanical experience.
  • Locomotive Repair: 2 years (Preferred)
  • Ability to read and write in English
  • Good communications skills.
  • Basic computer knowledge and data entry experience.
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record.

Powerrail provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, genetic information or veteran status or other status protected by law. We encourage applicants of all ages as we do not discriminate based on an applicant's age.
Job Type: Full-time, travel
Pay: Competitive with experience
Work Location: Nationwide customer facilities
Additional Information
We offer a competitive salary, great benefits, and a family-friendly culture.
We are an employee-owned company!
We hope you will join our team and become part of the future of PowerRail!!
PowerRail is an EOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled employer. PowerRail is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now, or in the future require sponsorship for employment based non-immigrant and immigrant visas.
Videos To Watch
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