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
TroubleshootingEquipment MaintenanceRepairingQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingOperations MonitoringEquipment SelectionComplex Problem Solving
Knowledge areas
TransportationMechanicalEnglish LanguagePublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and Technology
Technology & tools
Facilities management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation software
Representative tasks
Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal eInspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electTest and repair track circuits.
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
28 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Signal Maintenance TechnicianSignalmanSignal System Testing MaintainerSignal TechnicianSignal MechanicGate TechnicianSignal ExpertRegister RepairerTrain Control TechnicianTraffic Signal InspectorRail Signal MechanicSignal InspectorLight Rail Signal TechnicianElectric-Track-Switch MaintainerTrain Control Electronic TechnicianSignal WorkerRail Track MaintainerRail Signal DesignerCommunications MaintainerSignal MaintainerRailroad Transportation Signal MaintainerSignal and Communications MaintainerRail Signal InspectorRailroad Signal MaintainerElectric Track Switch MaintainerTest Signal TechnicianRailway Signal TechnicianSignal Systems Expert