Rail Car Repairers
Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.
Is rail car repairers a good career?
It scores 16/100 and ranks #461 of 825 occupations on pay, growth, employment and openings. Here's what the federal data says, with no editorializing.
Advantages
- Pays above the U.S. median wage ($67,530)
- No college degree typically required to enter
Possible tradeoffs
- Slower-than-average projected growth (+2.8%)
What rail car repairers earn
Wages: BLS OEWS May 2025Pay is a range, not a number. Half of U.S. rail car repairers earn between $54,520 and $84,570 a year.
Best-paying states
Best-paying metros
Live rail car repairers jobs
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- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- Long-term on-the-job training
- Outlook
- Employment is projected to grow faster than average through 2034.
Education
Most heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians have a high school diploma or equivalent. High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, physics, and welding provide a strong foundation for a service technician’s career. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.
Completing a vocational or other postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics is increasingly considered the best preparation for some entry-level positions. Offered by vocational schools and community colleges, these programs cover the basics of diagnostic techniques, electronics, and other related subjects. Each program may last 1 to 2 years and lead to a certificate of completion. Other programs, which lead to associate’s degrees, generally take 2 years to complete.
Training
Entry-level workers with no formal background in heavy vehicle repair often receive a few months of on-the-job training before they begin performing routine service tasks and making minor repairs. Trainees advance to more complex work as they show competence, and they usually become fully qualified after 3 to 4 years of work.
Service technicians who have completed a postsecondary training program in diesel technology or heavy equipment mechanics typically require less on-the-job training.
Many employers send new service technicians to training sessions conducted by equipment manufacturers. Training sessions may focus on particular components and technologies or particular types of equipment.
Licenses, certifications & registrations
Some manufacturers offer certification in specific repair methods or equipment. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a service technician’s competence and usually commands higher pay.
Important qualities
Dexterity. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must perform many tasks, such as disassembling engine parts, connecting or attaching components, and using hand tools, with a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination.
Mechanical skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with engine components and systems and know how they interact with each other. They must often disassemble major parts for repairs and be able to reassemble them.
Organizational skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must maintain accurate service records and parts inventories.
Physical strength. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be able to lift and move heavy equipment, tools, and parts without risking injury.
Troubleshooting skills. Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians must be familiar with diagnostic equipment to find the source of malfunctions.
Related occupations
How much do rail car repairers make?
The national median wage is $67,530 a year, with the middle half earning between $54,520 and $84,570 (BLS OEWS May 2025).
Is rail car repairers a good career?
On the Jobs.best index it scores 16 of 100 and ranks #461 of 825 occupations, weighing pay, growth, employment and openings. Employment is projected to change +2.8% through 2034.
What education do you need to become a rail car repairer?
The typical entry-level education is high school diploma or equivalent.
Where do rail car repairers earn the most?
Among states, Massachusetts pays the highest median ($108,680). Local pay for every state and metro is below.