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Railcar Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep

Princeton, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors Inspect railcars for damage/fatigue Identify ...

Savage Transload Network LLC

Railcar Loader

Gregory, TX

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Cando Rail & Terminals is North America's leading provider of specialized rail operating services ... Railcar Loaders are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car loading and unloading ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep

Melvindale, MI · On-site

$16.11/hr

Railcar Prepper Starting pay: $16.11 per hour Location: Melvindale MI. Getting Railcars prepared ... Comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures What ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prepper

Kansas City, MO · On-site

$20/hr

Comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures * Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors * Inspect railcars for damage/fatigue

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Railcar Loader

Gregory, TX · On-site

$15.50 - $18.25/hr

Cando Rail & Terminals is North America's leading provider of specialized rail operating services ... Railcar Loaders are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car loading and unloading ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep

Melvindale, MI

$16.11/hr

Railcar Prepper Starting pay: $16.11 per hour Location: Melvindale MI. Getting Railcars prepared ... Comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures What ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prepper

Roanoke, IN · On-site

$19/hr

Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 ... Our network of skilled associates provides plant and terminal operating expertise as well as field ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep/Inspector

Chattanooga, TN

$17 - $23.25/hr

Areas of Responsibility: comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors Inspect railcars for ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Inspector/Prep

Vance, AL · On-site

$16/hr

Comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures * Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors * Inspect railcars for damage/fatigue

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prepper

Roanoke, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Railcar Prepper Location : Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 ... Our network of skilled associates provides plant and terminal operating expertise as well as field ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep/Inspector

Chattanooga, TN · On-site

$17 - $23.25/hr

Areas of Responsibility: comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors Inspect railcars for ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep/Inspector

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$18.25 - $25/hr

Areas of Responsibility: comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors Inspect railcars for ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prep/Inspector

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

Areas of Responsibility: comply with all industry, customer and company safety regulations and operating procedures Inspect and assist in opening and closing railcar end doors Inspect railcars for ...

Road & Rail Services

Railcar Prepper

Roanoke, IN

$19/hr

Railcar Prepper Location: Roanoke, IN Starting pay: $18.00 per hour and $19.00 per hour after 60 ... Our network of skilled associates provides plant and terminal operating expertise as well as field ...

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$19

$25

How much do railcar operator jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for railcar operator in the United States is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $20.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Railcar Operator, you need a solid understanding of rail operations, mechanical aptitude, and often a high school diploma or equivalent, along with relevant on-the-job training. Familiarity with railcar switching systems, hand signals, safety protocols, and sometimes certifications such as Railroad Worker Safety Training are typically required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and teamwork are crucial soft skills for coordinating with other crew members and ensuring safe operations. These skills and qualifications are vital to prevent accidents, maintain efficiency, and ensure the safe transport of goods or passengers.

What are some common challenges faced by Railcar Operators and how can they be managed on the job?

Railcar Operators often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple teams, adhering to strict safety protocols, and handling varying weather conditions. Staying organized and maintaining clear communication with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and other operators is essential for smooth operations. Additionally, being proactive about safety checks and familiarizing oneself with emergency procedures can help mitigate risks and ensure efficient workflow. Adaptability and attention to detail are key traits that help Railcar Operators manage these challenges successfully.

What are railcar operators?

Railcar operators are professionals responsible for the safe and efficient movement of railcars within rail yards, industrial sites, or along tracks. Their duties often include loading and unloading cargo, coupling and uncoupling railcars, inspecting equipment, and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Railcar operators work closely with other railroad staff to coordinate train movements and may also perform routine maintenance on rail equipment. This role requires strong attention to detail, good communication skills, and knowledge of railroad operations. Training is typically provided on the job, and safety is a top priority in this profession.

What is the difference between Railcar Operator vs Locomotive Engineer?

AspectRailcar OperatorLocomotive Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; safety trainingHigh school diploma; locomotive engineer certification
Work EnvironmentRail yards, loading/unloading sites, tracksLocomotive cabs, train routes, rail yards
Industry UsageFreight companies, railroads, industrial facilitiesRailroads, freight and passenger train services
Job FocusOperate railcars for loading, unloading, and movementOperate and control locomotives to move trains

While both roles involve working on trains, a Railcar Operator primarily handles the movement and positioning of individual railcars, focusing on loading and unloading operations. A Locomotive Engineer operates the locomotive itself, controlling train movement over routes. Both roles require safety training and are essential in freight and rail transport industries, but they differ in responsibilities and equipment operated.

What cities are hiring for Railcar Operator jobs? Cities with the most Railcar Operator job openings:
What states have the most Railcar Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Railcar Operator jobs include:
Railcar Operator jobs near you

Railcar Repair Technician 1

APP RAILCAR GROUP

Grand Island, NE • On-site

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Summary Description 2nd Shift only
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 multiple second shift Repair Technician positions available. 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, including a shift differential, 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

#Indeed123
Qualifications -2nd shift only
Welding Experience Required
  • 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

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