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Railroad Machinist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL

$35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$35 - $35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$35 - $35.12/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL · On-site

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

CNC Shop Machinist

Granite City, IL

$19.50 - $26.75/hr

Maintenance Shop Machinist (CNC) Amsted Rail is the world's leading provider of fully integrated bogie systems for the heavy haul freight market, with facilities spanning 40 locations across 10 ...

Showing results 21-40

Railroad Machinist information

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How much do railroad machinist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad machinist in the United States is $23.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.71 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges railroad machinists face when maintaining locomotives in the field?

Railroad Machinists often encounter challenges such as working in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions, handling heavy and complex locomotive components, and adhering to tight maintenance schedules to minimize train downtime. Additionally, they must remain vigilant about safety protocols due to the potentially hazardous nature of rail yards and equipment. Effective teamwork and communication with engineers, conductors, and other maintenance staff are essential for diagnosing issues quickly and ensuring repairs meet industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad machinist?

To thrive as a Railroad Machinist, you need strong mechanical aptitude, experience in machine tool operation, and a high school diploma or equivalent—often supplemented by vocational training or an apprenticeship. Familiarity with precision measuring instruments, welding equipment, and computer-aided maintenance management systems (CMMS) is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team are standout soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient repair and maintenance of locomotives and rail equipment, which are critical for reliable railroad operations.

What is a railroad machinist?

Railroad Machinists are skilled tradespeople responsible for maintaining, repairing, and overhauling the mechanical components of trains, such as diesel engines, brakes, and other locomotive systems. They use a variety of tools and machines to inspect, troubleshoot, and ensure that locomotives and rail cars operate safely and efficiently. Their work is vital for keeping rail transportation reliable and minimizing downtime due to mechanical failures.

What is the difference between Railroad Machinist vs Railroad Car Repairer?

AspectRailroad MachinistRailroad Car Repairer
CredentialsTechnical training, certifications in machining and safetyTechnical training, certifications in welding, carpentry, and safety
Work EnvironmentMachine shops, maintenance yards, on-site repair facilitiesRailroad yards, repair shops, on-site at rail facilities
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transportation companies, maintenance contractorsRailroads, freight companies, maintenance depots

Railroad Machinists focus on operating and maintaining machining tools to repair and fabricate parts for trains and equipment, often working in machine shops. Railroad Car Repairers specialize in repairing and maintaining entire railcars, including structural repairs and systems, typically working in repair yards. Both roles require technical skills and safety certifications but differ in their specific tasks and work environments.

More about Railroad Machinist jobs

What cities are hiring for Railroad Machinist jobs?

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What are the most commonly searched types of Railroad Machinist jobs?

The most popular types of Railroad Machinist jobs are:

What states have the most Railroad Machinist jobs?

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The top searched job categories for Railroad Machinist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Machinist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,183 per year, or $23.6 per hour.

Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811)

Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA)

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$42.67/hr

Full-time

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Secure your FUTURE with SEPTA today!
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) is the sixth largest transportation system in the United States, with a vast network of fixed route services including bus, subway/elevated, trackless trolley, light rail, and commuter rail serving a 2,200 square mile service region. SEPTA has become an integral force in the economic success of the Philadelphia region, providing an efficient and reliable source of transportation.
We are seeking candidates for the position of Rail Vehicle Machinist 1st Class (0811) within our Rail Vehicle Maintenance Shops.
OVERALL DESCRIPTION
Sets up and operates a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments. Fabricates, modifies, or repairs mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools. Specific duties include laying-out, machining, shaping, and fabricating castings, beams, plates, shafts, various types of assemblies and other similar items. Additional duties include: setting-up, aligning, adjusting, and operating various types of shop equipment such as milling machines, shaper machines, grinders, presses, boring mills, drilling, etc. Grinds, shapes, and forms new cutters or machines. Sharpens and retempers drills, bits, cutter assemblies and balance blade assemblies.
Compensation Data
For SEPTA Regional Rail Division, the pay rate is $37.14/hr, with an increase to $41.27/hr after 1 year.
For SEPTA City Transit Division, the pay rate is $38.41/hr, with an increase to $42.67/hr after 1 year.
For SEPTA Suburban Transit Division, the pay rate is $36.23/hr, with an increase to $40.36/hr after 1 year.
(*Note* - Candidate division selection will be based upon the needs of SEPTA)
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Reviews and studies specifications, drawings, sketches, or other descriptions of parts to be fabricated; plans and implements sequence of operations to repair or manufacture work to .0005 tolerances.
  • Measures, marks/scribes dimensions and determines reference points to lay components/stock for machining, metallizing, electroplating, sleeving, etc.
  • Machines, shapes, fabricates, straightens, rebuilds various components to O.E.M. specifications of Authority drawings, e.g. gear drive units, journal bearings, wheel/axle assembles, etc.
  • Sets up, loads workpiece into machine with lifting equipment and operates lathes, wheel truing machines, milling, balancing, grinding, or other similar type machines; fits and assembles parts to fabricate/repair metal components; operates presses of various types (hydraulic/mechanical/pneumatic, etc.), drill, cutting, or other such machines to repair/fabricate components during machine shop operations.
  • Performs non-destructive testing through the magnaflux, magnaglo, or other such devices and practices for magnetic-particle inspections.
  • Maintains and repairs machine shop equipment and tooling, according to drawings, specifications, standard maintenance practices, or as other specifically described practices as detailed by Original Equipment Manufacturer (O.E.M.).
  • Performs metal hardening and hardness testing in accordance with approved practices. Has knowledge of metal properties, general characteristics and property requirements for component repair/fabrication.
  • Performs other duties related to the performance of the job.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
  • High school diploma or GED
  • Two (2) years vocational training or equivalent and minimum three (3) years of experience as a Machinist
  • Must pass written skills testing
  • Must be familiar with Air Equipment repair work, Saw and Machine tool use and maintenance
  • Must be able to work from blueprints and drawings
  • Must have own hand tools
  • Must possess a valid driver's license

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Completion of related apprenticeship preferred
BENEFITS
SEPTA offers a comprehensive benefits and retirement program for ALL employees, including:
  • Medical - "Minimal annual premium contribution"

Benefit plans with "No Employee annual premium contribution":
  • Prescription
  • Dental
  • Vision

Additional benefits we offer:
  • Pension Plan / Retirement Savings
  • Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Voluntary Governmental 457B Deferred Comp Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • SEPTA Transportation Pass - FREE travel on all SEPTA modes of transportation
  • SEPTA employees qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program

SEPTA is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.