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.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
SOC: 53-4022 O*NET: 53-4022.00
Median Salary
$65,480
per year
Job Growth
📉 1%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$39,288
25th
$52,384
50th (Median)
$65,480
75th
$78,576
90th
$98,220
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:11,000
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+1%
Annual Openings:1,000
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)11,000
Current
2034 (Projected)11,100
+1%
+100
Employment Change
+1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Coordination
Coordination
✓
Social Perceptiveness
Social Perceptiveness
✓
Time Management
Time Management
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Transportation
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
Mechanical
✓
English Language
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year