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Rail Welding Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

Railcar Repair Technician 1

Lakeville, NY · On-site

$22.50 - $27.50/hr

We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly. We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of ...

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Structural Steel Fabricator

Gates, NY · On-site

$19.75 - $24.75/hr

Fabricate structural steel components including beams, columns, stairs, and railings * Fit-up and assemble steel parts using bolting and welding techniques * Read and interpret blueprints, shop ...

Railcar Repair Technician 1

Lakeville, NY · On-site

$22.50 - $27.50/hr

We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly. We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of ...

Rail Welding information

See Rochester, NY salary details

$14

$29

$44

How much do rail welding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail welding in Rochester, NY is $29.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.03 and $33.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is rail welding?

Rail welding involves joining sections of railroad track together to create a continuous rail that is stronger and smoother for trains to travel on. Rail welders use specialized techniques and equipment, such as thermite welding or flash-butt welding, to fuse rails and ensure structural integrity. Their work is crucial for maintaining safe and efficient railway systems, minimizing track maintenance, and reducing noise and vibration. Rail welders also inspect and repair existing welds to ensure the ongoing safety of train operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail welder?

To thrive as a Rail Welder, you need proficiency in welding techniques, knowledge of track construction, and often a high school diploma or technical certification in welding. Familiarity with specialized rail welding equipment, track inspection tools, and adherence to industry safety standards is essential. Attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the structural integrity of railways, safety of operations, and efficient project completion in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by rail welding professionals on the job?

Rail welding professionals often work outdoors in various weather conditions, which can impact both safety and weld quality. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and precision to ensure that welds meet rigorous industry standards. Additionally, welders must frequently collaborate with track maintenance teams and sometimes work irregular hours to accommodate railway schedules and minimize service disruptions. Effective communication and adaptability are essential for success in this dynamic environment.

What is the difference between Rail Welding vs Track Maintenance Worker?

AspectRail WeldingTrack Maintenance Worker
CertificationsWelding certifications (e.g., AWS)Track inspection and safety certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, construction sites, on-site weldingRail lines, maintenance yards, outdoor environments
Job FocusJoining and repairing rails through weldingInspecting, repairing, and maintaining tracks
Industry UsageRailroad construction and repairRailroad upkeep and safety

Rail Welding specialists focus on joining and repairing rails using welding techniques, requiring welding certifications and working directly on rail lines or construction sites. Track Maintenance Workers perform inspections and repairs to ensure track safety, often working alongside rail welders but with a broader focus on overall track condition. Both roles are essential in maintaining safe and efficient rail operations but differ in specific skills and daily tasks.

What are popular job titles related to Rail Welding jobs in Rochester, NY?

For Rail Welding jobs in Rochester, NY, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Rail Welding jobs in Rochester, NY look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Welding jobs in Rochester, NY are:

What cities near Rochester, NY are hiring for Rail Welding jobs?

Cities near Rochester, NY with the most Rail Welding job openings:

Infographic showing various Rail Welding job openings in Rochester, NY as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,135 per year, or $29.4 per hour.

Railcar Repair Technician 1

Guardian Rail, LLC

Lakeville, NY • On-site

$22.50 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago


Job description

Summary Description

Guardian Rail is proud to operate one of the country’s leading freight rail services and transportation companies with a large network of freight and tank car repair facilities, a nationwide network of running repair agents, and a rail services division that operates short line railroads and contract switching and transloading sites.

We currently have Repair Technician positions available in the Lakeville area.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to customer and industry specifications.  We seek candidates with rail industry or other heavy industrial experience, including welding or mechanical assembly.

We offer a sign on/retention bonus of $1,500, payable over the first 12 months of employment and a competitive pay scale based on relevant skills and experience. 

Responsible for the repair of various types of railcars and/or tank cars.  Incumbents will use mechanical skills to safely inspect and repair railcars to industry and customer specifications.  Candidates must have a safety and quality mindset and enjoy hands-on work in year-round outdoor conditions. 

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Perform railcar repairs in compliance with FRA and AAR interchange rules
  • Conduct pre and post inspection of all assigned railcars
  • Comply fully with all safety protocols including in house and OSHA rules, regulations and procedures
  • Comply fully with the Company's quality program by conforming to in-house processes and required AAR and FRA rules and regulations
  • Keep work area in a clean and orderly manner to comply with Guardian Rail, OSHA, and environmental rules and regulations
  • Follow written and verbal directions
  • Work effectively in a team environment
  • Possess a thorough understanding of railcar, components, and/or shop work order
  • Understand inventory control
  • Assist in disassembly of damaged railcars
  • Perform repairs such as, but not limited to, basic mechanics, grinding, and touch-up painting and decaling on various types of railcars or tank cars as required
  • Set up and operate various hand and power tools such as, but not limited to, air arc, plasma cutting, Huck and welding machines and processes, and oxyfuel operation in heating and cutting processes
  • Perform interior railcar cleaning
  • Complete documented training to set up and operate or drive equipment such as, but not limited to: forklift, man-lift, crane, backhoe, skid loader, hoist, or hydraulic boom
  • Meet the requirements of AWS D15.1 for freight cars utilizing GMAW (Hardwire), FCAW (Flux Core), and/or SMAW (Stick) welding on carbon steel as well as our internal welding technology training and examination

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Qualifications

  • High-school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
  • Prior experience as a Carman or Railcar Repair Technician highly desirable
  • Must be able to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals and blueprints
  • Must possess basic mechanical knowledge and experience with hand & power tools, including heavier air and electric powered tools and cutting torches
  • Must enjoy outdoor, physical, hands on work with frequent standing, climbing, stooping, kneeling, pushing, pulling and lifting required
  • Certified E7018 welder preferred
  • Must be able to write routine reports and correspondence and speak and communicate effectively
  • Must possess basic math skills and work and understand simple mathematical concepts
  • Must possess reasoning ability to solve practical problems
  • Must be able to fully pass the fitness-for-duty examination, pre-employment physical, and pre-employment and random drug and alcohol screenings

Physical Demands & Work Environment

Our physical environment requires the employee to work both inside and outside in heat/cold, wet/humid, dry/arid, and dusty conditions. The environment requires working in close proximity to moving mechanical parts, moving vehicles, in high and low precarious places, as well as in confined spaces.

The work type is best described as heavy, hands-on mechanical work. Work is very physical, and without proper work planning can result in out-of-position pushing, pulling, and lifting. Proper body mechanics, positioning, and lifting techniques can be very important. Employees are urged to seek help when needed with heavier tasks and to use lifting equipment when and where necessary. The positioning of the work being performed can change very frequently.

Various heavier air and electric-powered tools such as car jacks, impact wrenches, and grinders are used daily. Work also requires frequent use of hand wrenches, hammers, chisels, socket wrenches, and ladders. Cutting torches are also used with welding equipment upon qualification of the employee.

  • Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, smelling, and visual acuity, with color and depth perception
  • Ability to work in a confined space
  • Required to use personal protective equipment as environmental conditions dictate