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For Educators: Military Resources

Rail Car Repairers

Median Salary
65,030
Job Outlook
+9%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.

What is the job outlook?

Overall employment of heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,100 openings for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$43,830

10%

$65,030

Median

$94,290

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    61%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    37%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology/Technician

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Low

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Mechanical
  • Building and Construction
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design
  • Transportation

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Physical Activity

    High

  • Time Pressure

    Mid

  • Responsibility

    Mid

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.