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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed

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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.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $68,840/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$45,660$86,590

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.

About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
MonitoringOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingOperation and ControlActive ListeningReading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationJudgment and Decision MakingTime Management
Top knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceLaw and GovernmentEducation and TrainingTelecommunications
Core 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.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

The median pay for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $68,840 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

Employment for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is projected to change +1% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.

What education is typically required for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.

How many job openings are there each year for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

About 1,000 openings per year, on average, over the decade.