Car Repairers build and repair freight and passenger cars and locomotives. Machinists service and overhaul locomotive and other equipment. Others involved in the repair and maintenance of railroad equipment include such occupations as Electrical Workers, Boilermakers, Sheet Metal Workers, and Blacksmiths.
Most railroads require all their employees to have a high school education.
There were approximately 480 Rail Car Repairers in Alabama in 1996. They work in the urban areas where trains have their central offices. There are only about 10 job openings annually for these occupations. Salary may vary according to experience, location and individual ability. Union membership is preferred.