Career Overview
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Also Known As
- Signal Inspector
- Signal Maintainer
- Signalman
- Train Control Electronic Technician
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Selection
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Control Precision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Finger Dexterity
- Visualization
- Flexibility of Closure
- Manual Dexterity
- Multilimb Coordination
- Far Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Perseverance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Achievement
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Less than a High School Diploma
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Articulating aerial lift equipment
- Audio spectrum analyzers
- Brush cutting equipment
- Clamp-on ammeters
- Closed circuit television CCTV systems
- Digital oscilloscopes
- Digital still cameras
- Digital timers
- Digital voltage meters
- Frequency specific volt meters
- Hotbox detectors
- Inkjet computer printers
- Inkjet fax machines
- Laptop computers
Work Environment
- Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $57,410 |
| Median | $83,600 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $104,860 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 8,210
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If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.