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Railcar Mechanic Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Railcar Mechanic

Kalamazoo, MI · On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Railcar Mechanic Are you looking for a great Company who treats you well and rewards your hard work? If you're looking for a company with opportunities for advancement and growth then you're in the ...

Railcar Mechanic

Kalamazoo, MI

$18.50 - $20/hr

Railcar Mechanic Are you looking for a great Company who treats you well and rewards your hard work? If you're looking for a company with opportunities for advancement and growth then you're in the ...

Railcar Mechanic

Modesto, CA

$29.13 - $49.13/hr

The Railcar Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, repairing, rebuilding, and maintaining railcars to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. This role performs mechanical repairs, welding ...

The Railcar Mechanic is responsible for inspecting, repairing, rebuilding, and maintaining railcars to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. This role performs mechanical repairs, welding ...

As a Railcar Mechanic, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of railcar operations across the United States. Your primary focus will be on inspecting ...

As a Railcar Mechanic, you will play a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and efficiency of railcar operations across the United States. Your primary focus will be on inspecting ...

As a Railcar Mechanic, you will perform Mechanical repairs to Railcars. The ideal candidate will posses a strong mechanical background & Welding experience is highly recommended. The candidate must ...

Railcar Repairman

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

As a Railcar Mechanic, you will perform Mechanical repairs to Railcars. The ideal candidate will posses a strong mechanical background & Welding experience is highly recommended. The candidate must ...

Railcar Repairman

Lyons, GA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

As a Railcar Mechanic, you will perform Mechanical repairs to Railcars. The ideal candidate will posses a strong mechanical background & Welding experience is highly recommended. The candidate must ...

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Railcar Mechanic information

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How much do railcar mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for railcar mechanic in the United States is $21.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by railcar mechanics, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Railcar mechanics often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical or electrical issues, working in outdoor environments with varying weather, and handling physically demanding tasks. Effective troubleshooting skills, ongoing technical training, and adherence to safety protocols can help address these challenges. Additionally, strong teamwork and communication with other maintenance staff and supervisors are essential to ensure repairs are completed efficiently and safely.

What is the difference between Railcar Mechanic vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectRailcar MechanicLocomotive Engineer
CertificationsASE certifications, technical training in railcar systemsCommercial driver's license (CDL), locomotive operation certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, repair shops, maintenance facilitiesLocomotive cabs, train yards, on-track operation
Industry UsageRailroad maintenance, repair, and inspectionTrain operation, safety, and navigation

While both roles are essential in the railroad industry, a Railcar Mechanic focuses on repairing and maintaining railcars, ensuring they are safe and operational. In contrast, a Locomotive Engineer operates trains, controlling movement and ensuring safety during transit. Both roles require specialized certifications and work in rail industry environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly.

How much does a railcar repairman make?

A railcar mechanic typically earns between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Skilled mechanics with certifications and experience in repairing and maintaining railcars can earn higher wages and may receive benefits such as overtime pay and health insurance.

What is the 160,000 mechanic job that Ford can't fill?

The $160,000 mechanic job often refers to specialized roles such as high-level industrial or heavy equipment mechanics, including railcar mechanics working on complex systems. These positions require advanced technical skills, certifications, and experience with diagnostic tools and maintenance of large machinery, making them difficult to fill due to skill shortages and high demand in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Railcar Mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railcar Mechanic, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of railcar systems, and a high school diploma or technical certification in mechanics. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, welding equipment, and adherence to safety regulations such as AAR and FRA standards is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are vital soft skills for this role. These skills ensure railcars are maintained safely and efficiently, supporting reliable rail operations and compliance with industry standards.

What is the highest paid railroad job?

The highest paid railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives or specialized roles like locomotive engineers with extensive experience. Railcar mechanics generally earn competitive wages, but executive and supervisory roles tend to have the highest salaries in the industry. Advanced certifications and years of experience can lead to higher compensation in these roles.

What is the highest paying car mechanic job?

Railcar mechanics working in specialized roles such as maintenance supervisors or those with advanced certifications and experience tend to earn the highest salaries in the field. Positions involving oversight, troubleshooting complex systems, or working for large transportation companies often offer higher pay. Salaries can also vary based on location, union membership, and years of experience.

What Does a Railcar Mechanic Do?

As a railcar mechanic, your primary duties include overseeing the maintenance and repair of a rail car, tank car, or freight equipment. In addition to maintenance and repair, you also perform fabrication tasks, such as welding new parts or components and installing upgrades to cars and locomotives. You paint cars to prevent corrosion and wear and may need to search through scrapped cars to salvage parts. You also operate trains to move them around the depot and drive other vehicles around the facility as needed. It’s imperative that you adhere to all rules and safety procedures when working around and repairing this equipment.

What are railcar mechanics?

Railcar mechanics are skilled technicians who inspect, maintain, and repair railcars used in freight and passenger trains. They are responsible for ensuring that railcars are safe and in good working order by performing tasks such as checking brakes, wheels, couplings, and suspension systems. Their work is essential for the safe and efficient operation of the railway system, and they must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards. Railcar mechanics may work for railroad companies, private railcar owners, or maintenance contractors.
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What are popular job titles related to Railcar Mechanic jobs? For Railcar Mechanic jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Railcar Mechanic job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,568 per year, or $21.9 per hour.
Railcar Mechanic

Railcar Mechanic

Road & Rail Services

Kalamazoo, MI • On-site

$18.50 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


Road & Rail Services rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Road & Rail Services
Position: Railcar Mechanic
Are you looking for a great Company who treats you well and rewards your hard work? If you're looking for a company with opportunities for advancement and growth then you're in the right place!
We are seeking candidates that are mechanically inclined, dependable, and safety-conscious.
The basic purpose of the position:
As a Railcar Mechanic, you will perform Mechanical repairs to Railcars
The ideal candidate will possess a Strong mechanical background and experience with Stick welding, Use of a Cutting torch, & Metal Fabrication.
We would prefer someone with previous railcar repair experience but not required.
Safety is the number 1 priority with Road & Rail Services so it is vital that all company guidelines and safety rules are followed and met while on the job.
Experience Requirements:
Metal Fabrication
Cutting torch experience
Stick Welding exp. highly recommended
Strong Mechanical background
Ability to use basic hand tools (pipe wrenches, pry bars, grinders, wrenches, ratchets etc.)
We Offer:
A Full Benefits package including Medical, Dental, 401K
Paid Holidays and Vacations
An annual Steel Toe Boot allowance
All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) provided
Veteran Friendly
A promote from within mentality
Yearly safety bonuses and much more!
Physical, Mental & Sensory Requirements:
Ability to constantly use bending, squatting, twisting, and walking motions throughout the entire work shift
Must be able to work independently
Ability to frequently open railcar end doors using pulling back force of 90 lbs. and pushing force of 68 lbs.
Ability to occasionally climb, using various types of ladders, to heights in excess of 16 feet
Ability to constantly work in an outdoor environment, exposed to all weather elements, including extreme hot and cold temperatures, dust and noisy conditions
Skills, Licenses, Certification, and/or Special Training:
Must maintain a valid state driver's license if required to operate company equipment
Company Profile:
Established in 1987, Road & Rail Services has grown and diversified to become a leading provider of rail related services in North America. Our network of skilled associates provides plant and terminal operating expertise as well as field maintenance of rail assets for railroads, rail shippers, and owners of rail related equipment and facilities.
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