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.
SOC: 53-4022.00
Common Job Titles
Brakeman
Locomotive Switch Operator
Railroad Switchman
Trainman
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key 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.
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KnowledgeApply transportation regulations, public safety protocols, and mechanical procedures in yard operations and mainline movements to ensure regulatory compliance.
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Hands-onHandle signaling equipment including flags, lanterns, and flares to relay traffic signals and communicate operational instructions during switching operations.
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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
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
