Rail car repairers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Rail car repairers specialize in servicing railroad locomotives, subway cars, and other rolling stock. They usually work for railroads, public and private transit companies, and railcar manufacturers.
Mechanics who work primarily on automobiles are described in the profile on automotive service technicians and mechanics.
Mechanics who work primarily on large trucks and buses are described in the profile on diesel service technicians and mechanics.
Mechanics who work primarily on motorboats, motorcycles, and small all-terrain vehicles are described in the profile on small engine mechanics.
- Education Required
- 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 technicians career. However, high school graduates often need further training to become fully qualified.
- Training Required
- 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.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 8% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Licenses/Certifications
- Some manufacturers offer certification in specific repair methods or equipment. Although not required, certification can demonstrate a service technicians competence and usually commands higher pay.
- Median pay: How much do Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians make?
- $47,690 Annual Salary
- $22.93 per hour
Careers for Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians
- Agricultural equipment mechanics
- Bulldozer mechanics
- Combine mechanics
- Construction equipment mechanics
- Construction equipment technicians
- Dairy equipment mechanics
- Dairy equipment repairers
- Dragline mechanics
- Farm equipment mechanics
- Farm equipment mechanics and service technicians
- Forklift mechanics
- Forklift technicians
- Freight car repairers
- Harvester mechanics
- Irrigation equipment mechanics
- Mechanics and repairers
- Milking machine mechanics
- Mine car mechanics
- Mobile heavy equipment mechanics
- Mobile heavy equipment mechanics and service technicians
- Rail car maintenance mechanics
- Rail car mechanics
- Service technicians, mobile heavy equipment
- Streetcar repairers
- Subway car repairers
- Tank car reconditioners
- Technicians and technologists
- Tractor mechanics
- Trolley car mechanics
- Trolley car overhaulers