Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers monitor and operate equipment that keeps trains moving safely. They work on freight and passenger rail lines, operating track switches, watching instruments in locomotives, coupling and uncoupling cars, and inspecting brakes and couplings. Most positions are based at rail yards or along rail lines.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical shift involves monitoring railroad operations from a control room or locomotive cab, watching for signals and track conditions. Operators may physically throw switches to direct train traffic, inspect coupling mechanisms and air hoses between cars, and relay communications about train movements. Some time is spent documenting equipment inspections and track conditions. Shifts can run 8 to 12 hours and may include overnight or weekend work.
Who this work suits
Holland code RCI. Realistic work is hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely do well in this work if you prefer hands-on, rule-based tasks over abstract problem-solving and are comfortable following established procedures precisely. People drawn to these jobs tend to value reliability and steady work over frequent change, and they often have mechanical aptitude and attention to detail.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $83,480 | $85,140 | $85,140 | 740 |
| New York | $63,700 | $83,530 | $83,530 | 220 |
| Iowa | $57,290 | $80,910 | $82,240 | 220 |
| Maryland | $49,920 | $79,180 | $84,860 | 100 |
| Illinois | $49,140 | $76,290 | $86,590 | 1,210 |
| Colorado | $70,680 | $76,140 | $97,940 | — |
| Georgia | $62,050 | $75,540 | $103,270 | 250 |
| New Jersey | $63,710 | $74,160 | $78,500 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $63,800 | $72,340 | $76,590 | 100 |
| Texas | $46,810 | $71,580 | $71,860 | 1,650 |
| Ohio | $49,640 | $67,770 | $70,210 | 280 |
| Missouri | $67,110 | $67,110 | $67,290 | 730 |
All 24 states
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-4022.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.