As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Railcar Loader in the United States is $35,629 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.
However, a Railcar Loader's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Railcar Loader's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Railcar Loader's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Licensed ... Level Railcar Loader | $63,701 |
| Railcar L... Level Railcar Loader | $36,290 |
| Physical ... Level Railcar Loader | $104,851 |
| Physical ... Level Railcar Loader | $123,764 |
| Physical ... Level Railcar Loader | $148,515 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Railcar Loaders. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Scheduling | 4.7% |
| Occupational Therapy | 2.1% |
| Front Office | 1.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$42,754 |
20%
|
|
Speech Therapy
|
$42,042 |
18%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$39,548 |
11%
|
|
Leadership
|
$38,835 |
9%
|
|
Problem Solving
|
$37,054 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$37,054 |
4%
|
For Railcar Loader roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Business Services, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Railcar Loader positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Railcar Loader as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Services | $39,191 | $19.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Railcar Loaders enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Railcar Loader with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $36,078 and $38,445).
Railcar Loader Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 4.2% |
| High School | 38.5% |
| Associates | 21.0% |
| Bachelors | 31.5% |
| Masters | 4.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.7% |
Understanding how a Railcar Loader's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Salaries for a Railcar Loader can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $50,177 in 2023 to around $47,974 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Railcar Loader salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $50,177 |
| 2024 | $49,288 |
| 2025 | $47,974 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Business Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Railcar Loader roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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