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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

General Information

Description

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.

Industry areas

  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Job Outlook

Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,500 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

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Job Outlook

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Overall employment of railroad workers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 7,500 openings for railroad workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Similar Careers

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Salary

Average Salary

Salary

$63,840

State-by-state Salary

Gray states indicate no data available

$81,210
$36,870
No Information for this section

Education

Related College Majors

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Knowledge

  • Transportation
  • Mechanical
  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
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* Military pay may be higher based on specialty pays or bonuses. Learn more about Military benefits.

Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.