All About Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
Example of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Job Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.
Life As a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator
- Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
- Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
- Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
- Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
- Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
- Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
What Every Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Should Know
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Types of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator Jobs
- Terminal Carman
- Railroad Carman
- Car Rider
- Set Rider
- Transportation Specialist
Is There Going to be Demand for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 19,300 jobs in the United States for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator. There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator. There will be an estimated 1,700 positions for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator per year.
The states with the most job growth for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator are Nebraska, Texas, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in Louisiana, Tennessee, or Wisconsin. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators ranges between about $34,610 and $85,590 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators who work in South Carolina, Massachusetts, or Minnesota, make the highest salaries.
How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,250 |
| Arkansas | $45,000 |
| Florida | $39,450 |
| Georgia | $54,570 |
| Illinois | $63,030 |
| Indiana | $51,600 |
| Iowa | $49,980 |
| Kansas | $63,980 |
| Kentucky | $49,850 |
| Louisiana | $54,650 |
| Maryland | $60,100 |
| Massachusetts | $70,560 |
| Michigan | $60,940 |
| Minnesota | $67,900 |
| Missouri | $63,610 |
| Montana | $56,520 |
| Nebraska | $61,200 |
| New Jersey | $57,610 |
| New York | $72,170 |
| North Carolina | $57,250 |
| Ohio | $58,440 |
| Oklahoma | $61,580 |
| Oregon | $65,970 |
| Pennsylvania | $56,080 |
| South Carolina | $72,930 |
| Texas | $57,890 |
| Utah | $49,270 |
| Virginia | $46,540 |
| Washington | $66,160 |
| West Virginia | $49,550 |
| Wisconsin | $65,780 |
| Wyoming | $58,390 |
What Tools do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Data entry software
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
Becoming a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator
What kind of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator requirements are there?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators Sector
Below are examples of industries where Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators work:
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operator might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
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