Careers · Explore one path
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Other titles employers use
Railroad Signal Maintainer · Signal and Communications Maintainer · Signal Inspector · Signal Maintainer · Signal Maintenance Technician · Signal System Testing Maintainer · Signal Technician · Signalman
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
- Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
- Test and repair track circuits.
- Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
- Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
- Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical and organizing work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
Subjects to know
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
Useful strengths
- Problem Sensitivity
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Flexibility of Closure
- Visualization
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 2.6 | Largely your own space |
| On your feet | 3.6 | Up and down through the day |
| Talking face to face | 4.5 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.2 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 63%
- A certificate or some college 33%
- A two-year degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Facilities management software
- Industrial control software
- Internet browser software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,460
- Job openings each year
- 30
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 14.4%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 2,460 | 30 | 14.4% |
| Washington | 340 | 30 | — |
| Virginia | 290 | 30 | — |
| Colorado | 280 | 30 | 3.7% |
| Florida | 280 | 20 | −9.7% |
| Missouri | 280 | 30 | — |
| Iowa | 190 | 20 | — |
| Nebraska | 170 | 20 | — |
| New Jersey | 150 | 20 | 7.1% |
| Oklahoma | 140 | 10 | 7.7% |
| Tennessee | 130 | 10 | −7.1% |
| Kentucky | 120 | 10 | 9.1% |
| Kansas | 110 | 10 | −15.4% |
| Arizona | 80 | 10 | −11.1% |
| Idaho | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Pennsylvania | 80 | 10 | — |
| Wisconsin | 70 | 10 | −12.5% |
| Wyoming | 70 | 10 | — |
| Mississippi | 60 | 10 | 20.0% |
| Louisiana | 40 | 0 | — |
| North Carolina | 20 | 0 | — |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.