National
| Median wages (2008) |
$21.48 hourly, $44,680 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
27,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
7,000 additional employees |
49-3043.00 - Rail Car Repairers
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Sample of reported job titles:
Rail Car Welder, Carman, Car Repairman, Rail Car Mechanic, Rail Car Repairer, Rail Car Maintenance Mechanic, Railroad Car Repairman, Rail Car Painter/Sandblaster, Rail Car Repairman, Air Brake Mechanic
Tasks
- Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
- Test units for operability before and after repairs.
- Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
- Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
- Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
- Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards in order to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
- Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
- Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
- Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
- Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
