72403 – Railway carmen/women
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.3 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 20 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 50 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
Railway carmen/women inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair structural and mechanical components of railway freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main 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 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.
Example job titles
air brake inspector - railway car · railway carman/woman apprentice · apprentice carman/woman - railway · car inspector - railway · railway car inspector · car repairer - railway · carman/woman - railway · railway carman/woman · railway coach repairer · railway carman/woman inspector · carman/woman inspector - railway · inspector-carman/woman - railway · car repairer apprentice - railway · railway equipment inspector · wheel and axle inspector - railway · brake inspector - railway car · streetcar and subway car mechanic · streetcar mechanic · subway car mechanic · rail vehicle mechanic · railcar mechanic apprentice
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $32.00 | $42.00 | $47.00 |
| New Brunswick | $33.18 | $42.32 | $51.47 |
| Quebec | $30.07 | $41.48 | $52.44 |
| Ontario | $29.88 | $40.13 | $47.12 |
| Manitoba | $35.00 | $44.00 | $47.00 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.00 | $42.79 | $45.00 |
| Alberta | $36.00 | $40.00 | $40.00 |
| British Columbia | $43.00 | $46.00 | $54.29 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.