Signal and track switch repairers
SOC Code: 49-9097Also known as:
Communications Maintainer, Electric Track Switch Maintainer, Gate Technician, Light Rail Signal Technician, Rail Signal Designer
Median Annual Salary
$83,600
+1.7% growth (2024-2034)
800
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Signal and track switch repairers Do
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
💰 Salary
$83,600
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.7%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
800
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
8,700
Projected Employment (2034)
8,800
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Top Skills Required
Troubleshooting
Equipment Maintenance
Repairing
Quality Control Analysis
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
- Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
- Test and repair track circuits.
- Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
- Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
- Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
- Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
- Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
- Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
- Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Less than High School
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Signal and track switch repairers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a signal and track switch repairers:
Electrician
30,349 degrees awarded •
494 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Signal and track switch repairers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become signal and track switch repairers.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do signal and track switch repairers make?
The median annual salary for signal and track switch repairers is $83,600.
What education do signal and track switch repairers need?
Most signal and track switch repairers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Electrician.
Is becoming signal and track switch repairers a good career choice?
Signal and track switch repairers is projected to see +1.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for signal and track switch repairers?
Top colleges for aspiring signal and track switch repairers include
Polytech Adult Education, Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College, Somerset Community College, Ashland Community and Technical 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 signal and track switch repairers?
Signal and track switch repairers may also be known as: Communications Maintainer, Electric Track Switch Maintainer, Gate Technician, Light Rail Signal Technician, Rail Signal Designer, Rail Signal Inspector, Rail Signal Mechanic, Rail Track Maintainer, Railroad Signal Maintainer, Railroad Transportation Signal Maintainer, Railway Signal Technician, Register Repairer, Signal and Communications Maintainer, Signal Expert, Signal Inspector, Signal Maintainer, Signal Maintenance Technician, Signal Mechanic, Signal System Testing Maintainer, Signal Systems Expert.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.