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Railroad Coupler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Harbor Services

Railcar Repairman

Cantonment, FL · On-site

$18 - $28/hr

Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business since 1986 and is a leading provider of ... Remove and replace defective components on rolling stock (trucks, shoes, coupler assemblies, air ...

Patriot Rail

Brakeman /Conductor/Engineer UCRY

Ogden, UT · On-site

$28.50/hr

To always safely maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail ... coupler knuckles or air brake hoses To safely and professionally work with customers to ensure ...

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Railroad Coupler information

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$27K

$280.6K

$400K

How much do railroad coupler jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for railroad coupler in the United States is $280,558.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $108,000.00 and $400,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are railroad couplers and what do they do?

Railroad couplers are mechanical devices used to connect railway cars together, allowing them to form a train. They are designed to securely join cars while also enabling easy separation when needed. Couplers must be strong enough to handle the stresses of train movement, including starting, stopping, and traveling over uneven tracks. Different types of couplers exist, such as the Janney (or knuckle) coupler, which is commonly used in North America. Proper maintenance and inspection of couplers are important for safe railroad operations.

What are some common safety challenges faced by Railroad Couplers, and how can they be addressed on the job?

Railroad Couplers frequently work in environments with heavy equipment, moving trains, and variable weather conditions, which can pose safety risks such as pinched fingers, slips, or falls. To address these challenges, Railroad Couplers are trained to strictly follow safety protocols, use personal protective equipment, and communicate clearly with team members when coupling or uncoupling cars. Routine safety briefings and adherence to established procedures help minimize accidents. Teamwork and vigilance are vital for ensuring everyone’s safety during daily operations.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Coupler, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, physical stamina, and attention to safety protocols, often supported by on-the-job training or prior experience in rail yards. Familiarity with hand tools, radio communication devices, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong teamwork, situational awareness, and effective communication help individuals excel in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient train assembly and minimizing risks in a physically demanding, safety-sensitive environment.

What is the difference between Railroad Coupler vs Railroad Car Mechanic?

AspectRailroad CouplerRailroad Car Mechanic
Primary RoleConnects train cars by attaching couplersInspects, repairs, and maintains train cars and equipment
Required SkillsMechanical skills, safety procedures, basic maintenanceMechanical skills, troubleshooting, repair techniques
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tracks, outdoor settingsMaintenance shops, rail yards, outdoor and indoor
CertificationsSafety training, possibly CDL or rail-specific certificationsMechanical certifications, safety training

While a Railroad Coupler focuses on attaching train cars, a Railroad Car Mechanic performs maintenance and repairs on train cars. Both roles require mechanical skills and safety knowledge, but the coupler role is more about connection tasks, whereas the mechanic handles repairs and diagnostics.

More about Railroad Coupler jobs
What cities are hiring for Railroad Coupler jobs? Cities with the most Railroad Coupler job openings:
What states have the most Railroad Coupler jobs? States with the most job openings for Railroad Coupler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Railroad Coupler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Railroad Coupler jobs are:
Railroad Coupler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Coupler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 21% Locum Tenens, 5% Internship, 8% As Needed, 64% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $280,558 per year, or $134.9 per hour.

Material Handler - Foundry

McConway and Torley LLC

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$16.25 - $19.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

FerroWorks, has locations in Pittsburgh, McKees Rocks, and Kutztown, PA including McConway and Torley and Standard Forged, which have been in continuous operations since 1869, the same year the first US transcontinental railroad was completed. We have been able to meet the needs of our customers with a steady, dependable and economical supply of high-quality railroad industry products. As McConway is the original designers of the first standard automatic coupler, continued innovation and craftsmanship have and has led to a product line that includes every ARR approved coupler as well as custom coupler solutions, which are all proudly cast in the US.

McConway & Torley is looking for a Material Handler for our Foundry. As a Material Handler you will expedite the movement of raw and finished material. You will pull and deliver materials to control the flow of goods.

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Shift: 12pm - 8pm

What You’ll Do:

  • Works in warehouse/outside environment to issue parts/supplies to internal customers
  • Operation of forklift, company vehicles, and utilization of fall protection
  • Conduct Quality inspections as needed
  • Works with computerized systems and handheld scanners
  • Essential functions of this position include operating machinery, utilizing silica sand, and all activities associated with core making, mold making, melting, pouring, and finishing.
  • Requires some supervision.
  • Complete knowledge of all workstations, loading and storage requirement of materials.

What You Need:

  • Must be able to perform work while wearing all required personal protective equipment including, but not limited to, a filtering face piece and/or tight-fitting respirator
  • Must be able to work any shift
  • At all times possessing the physical qualifications necessary to perform said tasks. This includes, but is not limited to, having no pulmonary restrictions which would prevent the use of a filtering face piece and/or tight-fitting respiratory protection.
  • Must be able to operate forklift and control the movement of the lifting apparatus.
  • These characteristics are normally acquired through one year of on-the-job training and forklift certification.
  • Safely and efficiently perform all essential functions.
  • Regular and predictable attendance is required.
  • Ability to function as a team member.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships

Working Conditions:

  • Work environment includes plant, warehouse, production and non-production areas and plant grounds.
  • This position may require work/maintenance coverage beyond the normal hours, shift, and on weekends/holidays
  • Ability to tolerate both high and low temperatures, loud noises typical of a manufacturing plant

Safety Activities:

  • Be aware of and observe all safety practices. Including but not limited to- Safety glasses, safety boots, hearing protection, etc… as required
  • Know and follow all safety rules and procedures.
  • Participate in safety committees and initiatives as assigned.

Safety Sensitive: Yes

MCT156

Benefits:

  • Health & Pharmacy
  • Dental & Vision
  • Critical Illness
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Company Paid Life & AD&D Insurance
  • Voluntary Life & AD&D Insurance
  • 401(k) W/Company Match
  • Short-Term Disability
  • Voluntary Long-Term Disability
  • Employee Assistance Program