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Transportation and Logistics

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
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Median pay

$65,480
Median annual pay for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

1,000
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

11,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+100
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Monitoring
  2. 2Active Listening
  3. 3Critical Thinking
  4. 4Reading Comprehension
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Transportation
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Mechanical
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Customer and Personal Service
  6. 6Law and Government

Abilities

  1. 1Control Precision
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Arm-Hand Steadiness
  4. 4Far Vision
  5. 5Oral Comprehension
  6. 6Perceptual Speed

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Dependability
  2. 2Cautiousness
  3. 3Attention to Detail
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Self-Control

Work activities

  1. 1Getting Information
  2. 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  5. 5Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  2. 2Exposed to Contaminants
  3. 3Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
  4. 4Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  5. 5Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  6. 6In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

Representative tasks

  • 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.
  • Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
  • Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
  • Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
  • Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
  • Operate locomotives in emergency situations.

Software and tools

Google Android · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologyElectronic train management system softwareElectronic train management systems ETMSRoute mapping softwareTime tracking software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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