Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
SOC Code: 53-4022Also known as:
Air Brake Operator, Air Hose Coupler, Area Brakeman, Brake Holder, Brake Rider
Median Annual Salary
$65,480
+1.0% growth (2024-2034)
1K
Openings/Year
11K
Current Jobs
What Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers Do
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.
💰 Salary
$65,480
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.0%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
1K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
11,000
Projected Employment (2034)
11,100
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Top Skills Required
Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Operation and Control
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
- Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
Degree Programs for Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers:
Railroad and Railway Transportation
78 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 78 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make?
The median annual salary for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $65,480.
What education do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers need?
Most railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Railroad and Railway Transportation.
Is becoming railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers a good career choice?
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is projected to see +1.0% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 1,000 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers?
Top colleges for aspiring railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers include
Johnson County Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers?
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers may also be known as: Air Brake Operator, Air Hose Coupler, Area Brakeman, Brake Holder, Brake Rider, Brakeman, Car Coupler, Car Hopper, Car Rider, Car Runner, Car Shifter, Car Shunter, Carman, Conductor, Coupler, Diesel Locomotive Fireman, Diesel Locomotive Firer, Dinkey Brakeman, Dinkey Engine Fireman, Dinkey Engine Firer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.