Signal and Track Switch Repairers

SOC: 49-9097 O*NET: 49-9097.00
Median Salary
$83,600
per year
Job Growth
➑️ 1.7%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

What does a Signal and Track Switch Repairers do?

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

How much can you earn?

Salary Distribution by Percentile

Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.

10th
$50,160
25th
$66,880
50th (Median)
$83,600
75th
$100,320
90th
$125,400

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

  • βœ“Health Insurance
  • βœ“Dental Insurance
  • βœ“Vision Insurance
  • βœ“Mental Health Support
  • βœ“Wellness Programs

Financial Benefits

  • βœ“401(k) Retirement Plan
  • βœ“Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
  • βœ“Profit Sharing
  • βœ“Stock Options
  • βœ“Performance Bonuses

Work-Life Balance

  • βœ“Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
  • βœ“Paid Sick Leave
  • βœ“Flexible Work Arrangements
  • βœ“Remote Work Options
  • βœ“Parental Leave

Professional Development

  • βœ“Tuition Reimbursement
  • βœ“Professional Certifications
  • βœ“Conference Attendance
  • βœ“Training Programs
  • βœ“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.

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:8,700

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+1.7%
Annual Openings:800

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)8,700
Current
2034 (Projected)8,800
+1.7%
+100
Employment Change
+1.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: More slowly than average

Key Growth Factors

    Standard growth expectations for this occupation

    What skills do you need?

    Top 10 Most Important Skills

    #1
    Troubleshooting
    100%
    #2
    Repairing
    94%
    #3
    Equipment Maintenance
    86%
    #4
    Quality Control Analysis
    80%
    #5
    Operations Monitoring
    74%
    #6
    Critical Thinking
    66%
    #7
    Equipment Selection
    60%
    #8
    Complex Problem Solving
    54%
    #9
    Operation and Control
    46%
    #10
    Judgment and Decision Making
    40%

    Skills Overview

    Troubleshooting
    advanced5.0
    100%
    Repairing
    advanced4.7
    94%
    Equipment Maintenance
    intermediate4.3
    86%
    Quality Control Analysis
    intermediate4.0
    80%
    Operations Monitoring
    intermediate3.7
    74%
    Critical Thinking
    intermediate3.3
    66%
    Equipment Selection
    intermediate3.0
    60%
    Complex Problem Solving
    advanced2.7
    54%

    Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

    Filter:
    Sort by:

    Troubleshooting

    advanced
    Importance100%
    skills
    5.0/5.0

    Repairing

    advanced
    Importance94%
    abilities
    4.7/5.0

    Equipment Maintenance

    intermediate
    Importance86%
    skills
    4.3/5.0

    Quality Control Analysis

    intermediate
    Importance80%
    skills
    4.0/5.0

    Operations Monitoring

    intermediate
    Importance74%
    skills
    3.7/5.0

    Critical Thinking

    intermediate
    Importance66%
    abilities
    3.3/5.0

    Equipment Selection

    intermediate
    Importance60%
    skills
    3.0/5.0

    Complex Problem Solving

    advanced
    Importance54%
    abilities
    2.7/5.0

    Operation and Control

    basic
    Importance46%
    abilities
    2.3/5.0

    Judgment and Decision Making

    basic
    Importance40%
    abilities
    2.0/5.0

    Highly Transferable Skills

    These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

    Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers100%
    5 shared skills
    Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
    5 shared skills
    Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines100%
    5 shared skills
    Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians100%
    5 shared skills
    Boilermakers82%
    5 shared skills
    Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists82%
    5 shared skills

    Skills by Career Stage

    Entry Level

    Learn on the Job:
    • β†’Equipment Selection
    • β†’Critical Thinking
    • β†’Complex Problem Solving

    Mid Career

    Expected:
    • βœ“Troubleshooting
    • βœ“Equipment Maintenance
    • βœ“Quality Control Analysis
    • βœ“Repairing

    Senior Level

    Mastery Required:
    • β˜…Troubleshooting
    • β˜…Equipment Maintenance
    • β˜…Quality Control Analysis
    • β˜…Repairing

    Skill Development Tips

    • β€’Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
    • β€’Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
    • β€’Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
    • β€’Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

    What technology will you use?

    Technology & Digital Skills

    Essential technology proficiencies for Signal and Track Switch Repairers

    Technology Intensity
    Medium
    πŸ”₯

    Hot Technologies in Demand

    These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

    Microsoft Outlook

    πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

    Microsoft Office software

    πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

    Microsoft PowerPoint

    πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

    Microsoft Excel

    πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

    Microsoft Word

    πŸ”₯ Hot Tech

    Technology Stack

    Technology Stack Overview

    Key technologies used in this career

    Microsoft Outlook
    Microsoft Office software
    Microsoft PowerPoint
    Microsoft Excel
    Microsoft Word

    πŸ“š Technology Learning Resources

    Recommended Certifications

    • β€’Vendor-specific software certifications
    • β€’Industry-recognized technology credentials
    • β€’Professional development courses

    Online Learning Platforms

    • β€’LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
    • β€’Coursera - University-level programs
    • β€’Udemy - Practical skills training

    πŸ’‘ Technology Skill Development Tips

    • β€’Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
    • β€’Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
    • β€’Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
    • β€’Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

    What's the work environment like?

    🌀️
    Location
    MOSTLY OUTDOOR
    πŸ’ͺ
    Physical Demand
    VERY HIGH
    πŸ‘₯
    Team Orientation
    MOSTLY TEAM
    🀝
    Customer Interaction
    FREQUENT

    πŸ’‘Is This Work Environment Right for You?

    Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

    • β€’Are you comfortable working in mostly outdoor environments?
    • β€’Can you meet very high physical demands?
    • β€’Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
    • β€’Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

    What education is required?

    Education Required

    Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree

    Experience Required

    Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

    Job Training

    Training of more than one year