Occupation · SOC 49-9097
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Median wage
$83,600
$57,410–$104,860
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
8,210
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
367 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingEquipment SelectionComplex Problem SolvingOperation and ControlTime ManagementJudgment and Decision MakingActive ListeningWritingSpeakingReading ComprehensionMonitoringInstallationActive LearningSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationLearning StrategiesInstructingMathematicsSystems EvaluationSystems AnalysisNegotiationService OrientationPersuasionProgrammingManagement of Personnel ResourcesScienceManagement of Material ResourcesManagement of Financial ResourcesTechnology DesignOperations Analysis
Knowledge areas
TransportationMechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityTelecommunicationsEngineering and TechnologyComputers and ElectronicsBuilding and ConstructionLaw and GovernmentMathematicsDesignEducation and TrainingAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceProduction and ProcessingPersonnel and Human ResourcesCommunications and MediaAdministrativeChemistryPhysicsGeographyEconomics and AccountingPsychologySociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingSales and MarketingPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyFood ProductionForeign LanguageFine ArtsBiology
Technology & tools
Maintenance management softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareWeb browser software
Representative tasks
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentGetting InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDocumenting/Recording InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsScheduling Work and ActivitiesProcessing InformationCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersTraining and Teaching OthersWorking with ComputersDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersCoaching and Developing OthersAnalyzing Data or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming Administrative ActivitiesDeveloping and Building TeamsProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationThinking CreativelyResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesSelling or Influencing OthersEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling Resources
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic hand tools and wrenches — identify and use under direct supervision to tighten loose bolts on railroad signal equipment at field installations.Railroad signal components and circuitry — recognize standard parts and their functions under technician guidance during initial on-the-job training.Motor vehicles assigned to field crews — operate safely to job sites following established routes and supervisor direction.Defective light bulbs and broken lenses — replace under close supervision on grade crossing signal assemblies in both road and shop environments.Track circuit test equipment — assist senior technicians in conducting basic continuity checks at designated rail segments.Grade crossing gate mechanisms — observe and document gate opening and closing cycles under direct oversight during routine inspections.Safety protocols and public safety guidelines — follow established procedures when working near live track and active roadways.Electronic mail and word processing software — use to submit basic work orders and daily activity logs under supervisor review.Defective wiring identified by supervising technicians — replace following step-by-step instruction at railroad signal installations.Visual inspection checklists — apply to mechanical parts and electrical connections of signal equipment under structured supervision.
developing
Grade crossing gate electrical units — inspect and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections routinely with limited oversight on assigned track segments.Track circuits and associated wiring — test and repair using standard diagnostic procedures in familiar field and shop environments.Signal system mechanical parts and circuitry — evaluate operation of interlocks and hotbox detectors applying established troubleshooting protocols.Hand tools and electronic test instruments — select and apply appropriately when inspecting switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and track beds.Defective wiring and signal components — diagnose root causes and execute repairs on railroad grade crossing systems with reduced supervision.Preventive maintenance schedules — follow and document for railroad signal equipment across assigned road territory using facilities management software.Gate circuit tests — perform by opening and closing gates and verifying correct electrical response within established quality control standards.Visual color discrimination and far vision abilities — apply when distinguishing signal lamp conditions and assessing track equipment from field distances.Time management practices — organize daily task sequences to complete multiple inspection and repair assignments within shift windows.Transportation and public safety knowledge — apply when coordinating work activities near active rail traffic to maintain site and crew safety.
proficient
Complex signal system malfunctions — diagnose and resolve autonomously across interlocks, hotbox detectors, and grade crossing gate assemblies in high-priority situations.Railroad track circuits — independently test, troubleshoot, and repair under varying environmental and operational conditions without supervisory guidance.Non-routine electrical failures in crossing gate units — analyze using engineering and technology knowledge and implement durable corrective repairs.Switch-controlling mechanisms and trolley wire components — conduct thorough inspections using advanced test equipment and apply critical thinking to resolve ambiguous findings.Full signal system installation projects — lead hands-on execution from equipment placement through commissioning across road and shop environments.Industrial control software and spreadsheet tools — use proficiently to analyze maintenance trends, log findings, and support reliability decision-making.Multi-component signal equipment failures — apply complex problem-solving skills to identify cascading faults and restore full system operability.Operations monitoring practices — continuously assess signal and track switch system performance across an assigned territory to detect and preempt failures.Replacement parts and tools — evaluate and select optimal components for specific repair scenarios balancing cost, compatibility, and safety compliance.Quality control standards — apply rigorously when verifying repaired signal equipment meets operational and regulatory specifications before returning to service.
advanced
Signal and track switch maintenance programs — design and implement territory-wide strategies that elevate reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance.Apprentice and developing technicians — mentor and evaluate in field troubleshooting, circuit testing, and safe work practices across live rail environments.Organizational maintenance standards and procedures — author and revise to reflect current engineering technology, telecommunications advances, and regulatory requirements.Complex system-level signal failures affecting multiple crossings or interlocks — lead rapid diagnosis and coordinated restoration efforts across crews and shifts.Capital repair and equipment replacement decisions — provide technical judgment and written recommendations to operations leadership for signal infrastructure investments.Interdepartmental and public safety coordination — lead communication between signal crews, railroad operations, and external agencies during critical outages or emergencies.Maintenance data and performance metrics — analyze using spreadsheet and facilities management software to drive evidence-based improvements across the signal network.Technical training curricula for signal repairers — develop and deliver using presentation and word processing software calibrated to Job Zone 3 competency expectations.Inspection and testing schedules — oversee and optimize for an entire signal territory ensuring compliance with federal railroad safety regulations and internal service targets.Emerging signal technologies and industrial control systems — evaluate for organizational adoption and lead pilot implementations across representative track segments.
Also known as
27 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Communications MaintainerElectric Track Switch MaintainerGate TechnicianLight Rail Signal TechnicianRail Signal DesignerRail Signal InspectorRail Signal MechanicRail Track MaintainerRailroad Signal MaintainerRailroad Transportation Signal MaintainerRailway Signal TechnicianRegister RepairerSignal and Communications MaintainerSignal ExpertSignal InspectorSignal MaintainerSignal Maintenance TechnicianSignal MechanicSignal System Testing MaintainerSignal Systems ExpertSignal TechnicianSignal WorkerSignalmanTest Signal TechnicianTraffic Signal InspectorTrain Control Electronic TechnicianTrain Control Technician