Salary Range
Low (10th %)$44,140
Median$65,030
High (90th %)$88,280
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Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
The occupation of "Rail Car Repairers" has an automation risk of 23.5%, which is very close to its base risk of 23.8%. This relatively low risk suggests that while certain tasks within this role are susceptible to automation, a significant portion of the work still requires human intervention due to its complexity and variability. Rail car repairers engage in a combination of technical, manual, and often unpredictable work environments that present challenges for automation technologies. The marginal difference between the base and actual automation risk implies that current automation capabilities can address only slightly fewer tasks than theoretical maximums. The most automatable tasks for rail car repairers include recording conditions of cars and detailing performed or upcoming repair and maintenance work, as this primarily involves data entry and inspection documentation which is well-suited to digital automation or AI-powered reporting tools. Inspecting components like bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine repair needs is also more automatable due to the growing sophistication of sensor-based monitoring and imaging technology. Additionally, repairing or replacing defective or worn parts with hand and power tools—even including some aspects of welding—can be partially automated through robotic systems, especially in repetitive or controlled environments. However, several tasks show strong resistance to automation, preserving significant demand for skilled human workers. Repairing car upholstery, for example, relies on fine motor skills, texture assessment, and craftsmanship that robots currently struggle to replicate. Aligning car sides for installation of ends and crossties demands precise manual adjustments using tools like width gauges and turnbuckles, often in unpredictable contexts. Similarly, repairing window sash frames, affixing weather stripping, and replacing glass require dexterity, spatial reasoning, and adaptability. These functions are bottlenecked by skills such as originality—measured at 2.8% and 2.1%—indicating the need for creative problem-solving and innovative thinking, which are capabilities not easily matched by automation at this time.
Filter by Automatable Status
Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.
Automatable
Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.
Non-Automatable
Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.
Partially Automatable
Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.
Non-Automatable
Test units for operability before and after repairs.
Partially Automatable
Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.
Non-Automatable
Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.
Non-Automatable
Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.
Partially Automatable
Paint car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.
Partially Automatable
Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.
Partially Automatable
Disassemble units such as water pumps, control valves, and compressors so that repairs can be made.
Non-Automatable
Measure diameters of axle wheel seats, using micrometers, and mark dimensions on axles so that wheels can be bored to specified dimensions.
Non-Automatable
Test electrical systems of cars by operating systems and using testing equipment such as ammeters.
Partially Automatable
Replace defective wiring and insulation, and tighten electrical connections, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Install and repair interior flooring, fixtures, walls, plumbing, steps, and platforms.
Non-Automatable
Repair window sash frames, attach weather stripping and channels to frames, and replace window glass, using hand tools.
Non-Automatable
Repair car upholstery.
Non-Automatable
Align car sides for installation of car ends and crossties, using width gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches.
Non-Automatable
Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.
Partially Automatable
Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.
Non-Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
AdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTransportationTherapy and CounselingCommunications and MediaAdministration and Management
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with Computers
Microsoft WindowsMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft PowerPointMozilla FirefoxRailTech Software Systems Mars for the 21st CenturyMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft Internet ExplorerMicrosoft PowerPointMozilla FirefoxRailTech Software Systems Mars for the 21st CenturyWheelShop Automation.com Wheel Shop Management SuiteMicrosoft OutlookAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatDisassembler softwareDisassembler softwareRailTech Software Solutions Rail 21 Management SystemWheelShop Automation.com Wheel Shop Management SuiteRailTech Software Solutions Rail 21 Management SystemMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordMicrosoft Word
Boilermakers
Low15.98%
Construct, assemble, maintain, and repair stationary steam boilers and boiler house auxiliaries. Align structures or plate sections to assemble boiler frame tanks or vats, following blueprints. Work involves use of hand and power tools, plumb bobs, levels, wedges, dogs, or turnbuckles. Assist in testing assembled vessels. Direct cleaning of boilers and boiler furnaces. Inspect and repair boiler fittings, such as safety valves, regulators, automatic-control mechanisms, water columns, and auxiliary machines.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Low23.86%
Assemble, install, alter, and repair pipelines or pipe systems that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. May install heating and cooling equipment and mechanical control systems. Includes sprinkler fitters.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Low20.92%
Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low23.99%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Automotive Body and Related Repairers
Low12.83%
Repair and refinish automotive vehicle bodies and straighten vehicle frames.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
Low27.13%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul automotive vehicles.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
Medium41.90%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul mobile mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment, such as cranes, bulldozers, graders, and conveyors, used in construction, logging, and mining.
Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low28.53%
Repair and adjust electrical and mechanical equipment of inboard or inboard-outboard boat engines.
Motorcycle Mechanics
Low15.15%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, dirt bikes, or similar motorized vehicles.
Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics
Low24.70%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul small engines used to power lawn mowers, chain saws, recreational sporting equipment, and related equipment.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Industrial Machinery Mechanics
Medium49.31%
Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.
Maintenance Workers, Machinery
Low32.98%
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Millwrights
Low12.88%
Install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to layout plans, blueprints, or other drawings.
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
Low30.19%
Perform work involving the skills of two or more maintenance or craft occupations to keep machines, mechanical equipment, or the structure of a building in repair. Duties may involve pipe fitting; HVAC maintenance; insulating; welding; machining; carpentry; repairing electrical or mechanical equipment; installing, aligning, and balancing new equipment; and repairing buildings, floors, or stairs.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Engine and Other Machine Assemblers
Medium37.10%
Construct, assemble, or rebuild machines, such as engines, turbines, and similar equipment used in such industries as construction, extraction, textiles, and paper manufacturing.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage
Medium56.43%
Appraise automobile or other vehicle damage to determine repair costs for insurance claim settlement. Prepare insurance forms to indicate repair cost or cost estimates and recommendations. May seek agreement with automotive repair shop on repair costs.
Pile Driver Operators
Low24.77%
Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Low23.42%
Assemble, install, repair, or maintain electric or hydraulic freight or passenger elevators, escalators, or dumbwaiters.
Highway Maintenance Workers
Low20.84%
Maintain highways, municipal and rural roads, airport runways, and rights-of-way. Duties include patching broken or eroded pavement and repairing guard rails, highway markers, and snow fences. May also mow or clear brush from along road, or plow snow from roadway.
Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
Medium39.66%
Operate underground loading or moving machine to load or move coal, ore, or rock using shuttle or mine car or conveyors. Equipment may include power shovels, hoisting engines equipped with cable-drawn scraper or scoop, or machines equipped with gathering arms and conveyor.
Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers
Low24.75%
Replace or repair broken windshields and window glass in motor vehicles.
Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians
Low24.73%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul farm machinery and vehicles, such as tractors, harvesters, dairy equipment, and irrigation systems.
Bicycle Repairers
Low14.10%
Repair and service bicycles.
Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians
Low17.42%
Diagnose, inspect, adjust, repair, or overhaul recreational vehicles including travel trailers. May specialize in maintaining gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. Includes workers who perform customized van conversions.
Tire Repairers and Changers
Low24.74%
Repair and replace tires.
Mechanical Door Repairers
Low21.74%
Install, service, or repair automatic door mechanisms and hydraulic doors. Includes garage door mechanics.
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Low30.94%
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Tire Builders
Medium34.65%
Operate machines to build tires.
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Medium54.81%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers.
Taxi Drivers
Medium45.31%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
Medium38.89%
Service automobiles, buses, trucks, boats, and other automotive or marine vehicles with fuel, lubricants, and accessories. Collect payment for services and supplies. May lubricate vehicle, change motor oil, refill antifreeze, or replace lights or other accessories, such as windshield wiper blades or fan belts. May repair or replace tires.
Aircraft Service Attendants
Low22.22%
Service aircraft with fuel. May de-ice aircraft, refill water and cooling agents, empty sewage tanks, service air and oxygen systems, or clean and polish exterior.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.