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Rail Car Repair Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cranemasters is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Car Repair Supervisor to lead and manage field ... delivering exceptional service to railroad customers and regulatory stakeholders. Key ...

Description Cranemasters is seeking a skilled and safety-focused Car Repair Supervisor to lead and ... delivering exceptional service to railroad customers and regulatory stakeholders. Key ...

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Rail Car Repair information

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$15

$19

$24

How much do rail car repair jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail car repair in the United States is $19.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical work environments and team structures for Rail Car Repair professionals?

Rail Car Repair professionals commonly work in rail yards, maintenance shops, or industrial settings where they inspect, diagnose, and repair a variety of rail cars. The role often involves working both independently and as part of a team alongside other mechanics, inspectors, and supervisors to ensure railcars meet safety and operational standards. Shifts may vary, and the work can be physically demanding, sometimes requiring outdoor work in all weather conditions. Collaboration and communication with team members is crucial for coordinating repairs and maintaining efficient rail operations.

What is a Rail Car Repair job?

A Rail Car Repair job involves inspecting, maintaining, and repairing rail cars to ensure they meet safety and operational standards. Technicians diagnose mechanical and structural issues, replace or repair damaged components, and perform routine maintenance such as welding, brake system checks, and wheel inspections. This role requires knowledge of rail car systems, attention to detail, and adherence to safety regulations. Rail Car Repair workers may be employed by freight or passenger rail companies, repair shops, or manufacturing facilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Rail Car Repair position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Car Repair professional, you need mechanical aptitude, a solid understanding of industrial safety standards, and relevant experience or training in welding, hydraulics, or electrical systems. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, heavy machinery, and compliance with industry certifications such as FRA (Federal Railroad Administration) regulations is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities help ensure rail cars are repaired efficiently and safely, minimizing downtime and meeting regulatory requirements.

More about Rail Car Repair jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Car Repair jobs? Cities with the most Rail Car Repair job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Car Repair jobs? The most popular types of Rail Car Repair jobs are:
What states have the most Rail Car Repair jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Car Repair jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Rail Car Repair jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Rail Car Repair jobs are:
Infographic showing various Rail Car Repair job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,644 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Car Repair I

$20/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Progress Rail rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

289th of 417 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Job Purpose
This is a travel position working nights. The shifts are Sunday through Wednesday, and Thursday through Sunday 10 hour shifts. Lodging is provided as well as Per Diem.
Car Repairer perform maintenance, repair, and modification of rail cars according to FRA, AAR and customer requirements.
**OFFERING $3,000 SIGN ON BONUS**
Removal, fabrication, fitment and welding of railcar parts, components and structures.
Starting pay at $20.00/hr - Opportunity to take skills tests for pay raises at $0.25 each.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation-driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world's largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company's products are in operation across more than 100 countries-powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail-they are making history every day.
Education / Training
• Prefer High School Education or GED.
• Skill Level I - 0-2 years of mechanical or welding experience;
• Skill Level II - 2-3 years of Carman, mechanical or welding experience;
• Skill Level III - 3-4 years of Carman, welding and mechanical experience; requires a welding certification;
• Skill Level IV - 5+ years of Carman, welding and mechanical experience; requires a welding certification.
Key Job Elements
Minimum Duties and Responsibilities:
• Repair or replace worn mechanical components;
• Fabricate, assemble or disassemble manufactured products;
• Read blueprints, technical drawings, tape measure;
• Read and understand work order and record repairs correctly;
• Understand service and repair manuals and apply constraints to repairs and modifications being performed;
• Use oxy/fuel torch, arc welding equipment and power tools;
• Apply decals, stenciling and touch-up painting on railcars;
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with PRS safety policies;
• Perform all duties and responsibilities within time standards allowed.
Qualifications and Experience
• Skill Level I - 0-2 years of mechanical or welding experience;
• Skill Level II - 2-3 years of Carman, mechanical or welding experience;
• Skill Level III - 3-4 years of Carman, welding and mechanical experience; requires a welding certification;
• Skill Level IV - 5+ years of Carman, welding and mechanical experience; requires a welding certification.
Essential and Physical Activities Functions
• Strength -
o Be able to push, pull or carry up to 50 lbs.
• Motion -
o Constant standing and walking;
o Frequent bending, crouching, stooping, kneeling, squatting, overhead reaching, climbing ladders;
o Frequent work below waist level and above shoulder level.
• Vision/Hearing Requirements -
o High noise levels (above 85 decibels).
• Work Environment -
o Work from heights over 6";
o Work on varied surfaces (concrete floors, gravel, rail car floors);
o Work around and operate overhead cranes and mobile equipment.
• Emotional Demands -
o Must be able to work alone and in team setting.
• Safety -
o This is a safety Sensitive Positions. It requires work on and around rails and heavy equipment. This
Position requires strict adherence to safety policies (i.e blue flag) and use of all PPE requirements such
that include hand, head, eye, hand, ear and foot protection.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
  • Competitive Salary
  • 401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
  • Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
  • Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time-Off (PTO)
  • Employee Assistance Plan
  • Education Assistance Program
  • Employee Recognition Programs
  • Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
  • Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
  • Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs

*Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.

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About Progress Rail

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our team works hard to create lifelong customer relationships, supplying comprehensive rolling stock and infrastructure solutions for the global rail industry and setting the standard for excellence. We care about fostering the sustainable movement of goods and people for generations to come, and we know our customers care, too. Our strategic footprint ensures responsive, quality customer support all day, every day. We are one of the largest integrated diversified providers of rolling stock and infrastructure solutions and technologies for the global rail industry. The company provides advanced EMD® locomotives, engines, and technologies, railcars, trackwork, fasteners, signaling, rail welding and Kershaw® Maintenance-of-Way equipment, along with dedicated locomotive and freight car repair services, aftermarket parts support and recycling operations. Progress Rail’s deep industry expertise ensures a commitment to quality through innovative solutions.

Industry

Consumer goods and commercial equipment rental services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Albertville, AL, US

Year founded

1983