Rail Car Repairer Salary in 2026
How Much Do Rail Car Repairers Make?
Rail Car Repairers earn a median annual salary of $65,680 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $45,670 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a range of $46,330. The highest-paying state is Massachusetts at $97,660.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $45,670 |
| 25th percentile | $51,640 |
| Median (50th) | $65,680 |
| 75th percentile | $80,150 |
| 90th percentile | $92,000 |
Rail Car Repairer Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Massachusettstop | $97,660 |
| Oregon | $85,380 |
| New York | $85,160 |
| Maryland | $84,840 |
| Wisconsin | $84,750 |
| Colorado | $84,420 |
| Minnesota | $79,330 |
| Delaware | $77,240 |
| New Jersey | $76,740 |
| Utah | $75,280 |
| Illinois | $73,480 |
| Indiana | $72,740 |
| Florida | $66,760 |
| California | $66,740 |
| Nebraska | $66,440 |
| South Dakota | $65,780 |
| Arizona | $64,790 |
| Iowa | $63,290 |
| Missouri | $63,100 |
| Tennessee | $62,350 |
| New Mexico | $61,750 |
| Idaho | $61,640 |
| Georgia | $60,050 |
| Oklahoma | $59,070 |
| Washington | $58,870 |
| Michigan | $58,680 |
| Texas | $58,500 |
| South Carolina | $57,760 |
| Kentucky | $57,180 |
| North Carolina | $57,150 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,790 |
| Nevada | $55,750 |
| Wyoming | $52,720 |
| Arkansas | $52,530 |
| Ohio | $52,160 |
| Kansas | $51,500 |
| Louisiana | $50,250 |
| Alabama | $49,480 |
| West Virginia | $48,180 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Rail Car Repairers
Rail Car Repairer Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$45,670 – $51,640 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$65,680 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$80,150 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $92,000+ |
How to Earn More as a Rail Car Repairer
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Rail Car Repairers in Massachusetts earn $97,660 — $31,980 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($80,150) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
Want to see if a different career pays more for your skills? PathScorer maps your experience against hundreds of occupations and shows you where you're most competitive. Try it free →
Rail Car Repairer Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Rail Car Repairerthis career | $65,680 |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitter | $62,970 |
| Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operator | $67,370 |
| Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairer | $53,990 |
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician | $78,680 |
Find out where you stand — free in 2 minutes
PathScorer compares your skills to Rail Car Repairer requirements and shows you what you already qualify for — plus which similar careers pay more for your background.
See how your skills compare — freeFrequently Asked Questions
SOC: 49-3043.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.