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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers to increase by 0.8% between 2024 and 2034, from 10,700 to 10,800 jobs. Its estimate of 900 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($68,840), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
10,700
Projected employment (2034)
10,800
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
900
Pay & Preparation
$68,840
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operations Monitoring (3.5/5) • Monitoring (3.38/5) • Coordination (3.25/5) • Operation and Control (3.12/5) • Speaking (3/5) • Critical Thinking (3/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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