Overview
Railway carmen/women inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair structural and mechanical components of railway freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars. They are employed by railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Inspect interior and exterior components of freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars to determine defects and extent of wear and damage
Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems
Repair defective or damaged metal and wood components, using hand and power tools
Repair and repaint wooden fixtures
Replace damaged windows and repair upholstery
Test and adjust parts using testing gauges and other test equipment
Perform and document routine maintenance.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$90,527
$96,843
$114,296
Usual Hours Worked Weekly: 40.38
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
7expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Completion of an industry-offered apprenticeship program or three to four years of on-the-job training is usually required.
Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Additional information
Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.
Certification requirements
Optional: The following certification are optional to practice as Railway carmen/women in B.C.
- Skilled Trades Certification - Railway Car Technician
Skilled Trades Certification - Railway Car Technician
To work as a Railway car technician in B.C., you must submit a Challenge Application. Eligibility is achieved by demonstrating 6,000 documented hours of directly working in the occupation.
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.