FAQ
Transportation Equipment Electrician FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a transportation equipment electrician.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a transportation equipment electrician: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about transportation equipment electricians
Where do these electricians work?
Railroads, transit agencies, shipyards and bus fleets.
Is pay good?
Yes, BLS reports strong median pay.
Do I need a degree?
A postsecondary certificate is typical.
How much does a transportation equipment electrician make?
The median annual wage for transportation equipment electricians was $84,890 ($40.81 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $50,750 and the highest 10% earned more than $116,810.
How long does it take to become a transportation equipment electrician?
Most people need about Training program plus months on the job of training. A postsecondary electrical or electronics program plus on-the-job training is typical.
Do you need a degree to be a transportation equipment electrician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
Is transportation equipment electrician a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +5.4% from 2025–35 (faster than average), with about 500 openings each year. Upsides include strong pay; a common challenge is that shift work.
What skills does a transportation equipment electrician need?
Key technical skills include electrical troubleshooting, schematic reading, wiring, and motor controls. Employers also value problem-solving, attention to detail, and safety focus.
What certifications are available for transportation equipment electricians?
Common credentials include Electrical certificate, FRA training, ABYC certification, and ETA certification. Requirements vary by state and employer.
Still deciding?
Try the Transportation Equipment Electrician fit quiz, compare with Electrician, or explore Transportation Equipment Electrician training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-2093 (Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electrical and electronics installers and repairers, transportation equipment (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.