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Rail Welder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This is a travel position for someone with hands-on railcar maintenance experience, strong welding skills, and the ability to work independently in the field. This is not an entry-level rail position.

This is a travel position for someone with hands-on railcar maintenance experience, strong welding skills, and the ability to work independently in the field. This is not an entry-level rail position.

Railroad Mechanic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Apply Today If you have mechanical or welding experience and are ready to put your skills to work in the rail industry, apply today to join Road & Rail Services in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Railroad Mechanic

Wausau, WI · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Apply Today If you have mechanical or welding experience and are ready to put your skills to work in the rail industry, apply today to join Road & Rail Services in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Welder/Fabricator

New Century, KS · On-site

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Fabrication Welder / Assembler - Rail Gear Installation Location: New Century, KS Company: Interstate Assembly Systems Interstate Assembly Systems is seeking an experienced Fabrication Welder ...

Railroad Mechanic

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$23.40/hr

Road & Rail Services Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site Put Your Mechanical Skills to Work Road & Rail ... welding equipment, cutting torches, grinders, and hand tools Identify and report bad-order or ...

Railroad Mechanic

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$23.40/hr

Road & Rail Services Job Type: Full-Time | On-Site Put Your Mechanical Skills to Work Road & Rail ... welding equipment, cutting torches, grinders, and hand tools Identify and report bad-order or ...

Showing results 21-40

Rail Welder information

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$14

$22

$31

How much do rail welder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail welder in the United States is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail welder?

Rail welders are skilled tradespeople who specialize in joining sections of railroad track using various welding techniques, such as thermite or electric arc welding. Their work is crucial for maintaining the safety, durability, and alignment of railway tracks. Rail welders inspect, repair, and install rails, often working outdoors in a range of weather conditions. They must follow strict safety protocols and ensure that welded joints meet industry standards to support heavy train loads.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rail welder?

To thrive as a Rail Welder, you need strong technical welding skills, a high school diploma or equivalent, and specialized training or certification in rail welding processes. Familiarity with welding equipment, track maintenance machinery, and adherence to safety standards such as those outlined by the American Welding Society (AWS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for ensuring quality and safety on the job. These skills and qualifications are essential for maintaining reliable rail infrastructure and preventing safety hazards.

What challenges do rail welders face and how are they addressed?

Rail welders often work in outdoor environments and must adapt to varying weather conditions, which can affect both safety and welding quality. They also face the challenge of maintaining precise alignment and strength standards to ensure rail safety and minimize rail defects. To address these challenges, rail welders use specialized equipment, adhere to strict safety protocols, and undergo regular training to stay updated on best practices and new technologies. Strong teamwork and communication with other crew members, such as track inspectors and engineers, are also essential to ensure efficient workflow and safety.

What is the difference between Rail Welder vs Track Inspector?

AspectRail WelderTrack Inspector
CertificationsWelding certifications, safety trainingInspection certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, rail yards, welding stationsRail lines, maintenance sites, inspection locations
Job FocusWelding and repairing railsInspecting and ensuring track safety
Industry UsageRailroad construction and maintenanceRailroad safety and compliance

Rail Welders and Track Inspectors both work in the railroad industry but have different roles. Rail Welders focus on welding and repairing rails, requiring welding certifications and working in construction or maintenance sites. Track Inspectors evaluate track safety, requiring inspection certifications and working primarily on rail lines. Both roles are essential for rail safety and maintenance but serve distinct functions within the industry.

More about Rail Welder jobs

What cities are hiring for Rail Welder jobs?

Cities with the most Rail Welder job openings:

Who are the top companies hiring for Rail Welder jobs?

The top employers for Rail Welder jobs are:

What states have the most Rail Welder jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Welder jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Rail Welder jobs?

For Rail Welder jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Rail Welder job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 17% Contract, and 17% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $46,302 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Traveling Railroad Carman

Burnet, TX • On-site

Road & Rail Services
Trucking • 1 - 5K employees

$28 - $34/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Road & Rail Services rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 14 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Traveling Railcar Repairman / Carman
Location: Austin, TX
Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour
Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Traveling Railcar Repairman / Carman to join our team. This is a travel position for someone with hands-on railcar maintenance experience, strong welding skills, and the ability to work independently in the field.
This is not an entry-level rail position. The right candidate will understand railcar repair, take pride in safe and accurate work, and be comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions. If you are a self-starter looking for long-term career growth with a company that promotes from within, this could be a strong fit.
What We Offer
Road & Rail Services offers steady work, competitive pay, and the opportunity to build a long-term career in the rail industry. We value safety, reliability, and employees who are ready to grow.
Benefits include:
  • Competitive pay of $28.00 - $34.00 per hour
  • Weekly Safety Incentive
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k), paid holidays, and vacation
  • Annual steel-toe boot allowance and company-provided PPE

Position Summary
The Traveling Railcar Repairman / Carman is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing railcars in accordance with customer requirements, company procedures, and AAR standards. This role requires travel, strong mechanical ability, welding experience, and a commitment to safe, quality work.
In this role, you will:
  • Inspect railcars for damage, wear, safety concerns, and serviceability
  • Perform railcar repairs, maintenance, welding, and required documentation
  • Lubricate components, apply required stenciling, and assist with railcar preparation
  • Operate company vehicles and equipment as needed
  • Maintain a clean work area and follow all safety procedures

Qualifications
We are looking for someone who can step into the work with confidence and represent Road & Rail Services professionally in the field.
Qualified candidates will have:
  • Railcar maintenance or railcar repair experience required
  • Welding experience required, including stick welding
  • 4G and 5G welding experience strongly preferred
  • Ability to travel and work outdoors in all weather conditions
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and safe tool/equipment use
  • Valid driver's license required
  • Dependable, safety-focused, and able to work as a self-starter

About Road & Rail Services
Founded in 1987, Road & Rail Services is a leading North American provider of rail-related services, including terminal operations, railcar inspection and repair, and field maintenance. We are committed to safety, quality, employee development, and promoting from within.
Apply today to build a long-term career with Road & Rail Services.
Equal Opportunity Employer & Workplace Safety
Road & Rail Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains a workplace free from discrimination in accordance with applicable laws. Safety is a core value, and all employees are expected to follow company safety policies and regulations.

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