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.
Common Job Titles
- Brakeman
- Locomotive Switch Operator
- Railroad Switchman
- Trainman
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate railroad track conditions, equipment status, and compliance with safety standards in real-time operational environments, using visual inspections and monitoring instruments.Developing
- Hands-onOperate railroad track switches and locomotive control systems following established protocols to direct train movements and ensure safe operations.Developing
- Hands-onExecute coupling and uncoupling procedures for rolling stock using couplers, air hoses, and hand brakes to assemble or disassemble train consists.Developing
- KnowledgeIdentify potential hazards, dragging equipment, and obstacles on railroad rights-of-way through continuous monitoring during train operations to prevent accidents.Developing
- Hands-onPerform inspections of couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and braking systems using visual examination and mechanical testing to verify equipment readiness.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret traffic signals, hand signals, and radio communications to coordinate train movements with dispatchers, engineers, and other crew members.Developing
- Hands-onOperate locomotive instruments including gauges for air pressure, oil pressure, and speed, monitoring readings to ensure safe operational parameters during train movements.Developing
- MindsetEngage with crew members and supervisors in coordinated train operations, maintaining clear communication under time-sensitive and safety-critical conditions.Developing
- KnowledgeApply transportation regulations, public safety protocols, and mechanical procedures in yard operations and mainline movements to ensure regulatory compliance.Developing
- Hands-onHandle signaling equipment including flags, lanterns, and flares to relay traffic signals and communicate operational instructions during switching operations.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
12,460
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $43,750. 25th percentile: U.S. $51,730. 50th percentile: U.S. $65,480. 75th percentile: U.S. $70,130. 90th percentile: U.S. $80,840. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $43,750 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $80,840 |
| Workers on average earn | $63,170 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Transportation3.9/5
- Public Safety and Security3.5/5
- Mechanical3.3/5
- English Language3.2/5
- Customer and Personal Service2.8/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
Technology Skills
- Electronic train management system software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
Tools & Equipment
- Accelerometers
- Air horns
- Air pressure gauges
- Automatic track switching systems
- Battery gauges
- Buffer stops
- Car pullers
- Circuit breakers