Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers

Also Called: Brakeman, Locomotive Switch Operator, Railroad Switchman, Trainman

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$44,350

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers do

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

  • Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
  • Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
  • Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Exposed to Contaminants
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

Tools

  • Diesel freight locomotives
  • Rail switching systems
  • Electric freight locomotives
  • Train braking systems
  • Heavy rail turnout switch

Technology

Data base user interface and query software
Data entry software
Electronic train management system software
Expert system software
Electronic train management systems ETMS
Route navigation software
Route mapping software

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation Monitoring
  • Monitoring
  • Operation and Control
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking

Knowledge

Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Engineering and Technology
mechanical
Arts and Humanities
English language

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Job Training Match

Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Aircraft Mechanics & Service Technicians

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

Signal & Track Switch Repairers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

 Job Training Match

Brokerage Clerks

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

  • Atlanta - Job Corps

    Atlanta, Georgia

  • Excelsior Springs - Job Corps

    Excelsior Springs, Missouri

ACT & College

  • Central Arizona College

    Coolidge, AZ

  • City Colleges of Chicago-Malcolm X College

    Chicago, IL

Apprenticeships

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Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

Work Styles

  • Dependability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Self Control
  • Adaptability/Flexibility
  • Independence

Values

  • Support
  • Relationships
  • Working Conditions

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Attention
  • Hand and Finger Use
  • Verbal

This is what Railroad Brake, Signal, & Switch Operators & Locomotive Firers across the country typically make.

$21.32 / hour
$44,350 /year

Entry Level

$30.55 / hour
$63,540 /year

Median Level

$37.56 / hour
$78,120 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

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