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.

What They Do

Signal and track switch repairers maintain the critical safety systems that keep trains running smoothly and prevent accidents on railroad networks. They work along rail lines, inspecting and repairing the signals that control train movement, the mechanical switches that guide trains from one track to another, and the crossing gates that protect vehicles and pedestrians. Their daily tasks include testing signal circuits, replacing worn components in track switches, troubleshooting electrical problems in warning systems, and ensuring all equipment meets strict safety standards. Much of their work happens outdoors in all weather conditions, requiring them to travel along railroad rights-of-way and work near active tracks. They often work independently or in small crews, responding to equipment failures at any hour since railroad operations run around the clock. Successful repairers combine strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting skills with careful attention to safety protocols. They must be comfortable working at heights on signal towers, have good color vision to distinguish signal lights, and possess the physical stamina for climbing, lifting, and working in confined spaces. The job requires precision and reliability, as their work directly impacts the safety of train crews, passengers, and the general public.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Community College of Allegheny County, PA
$151,803
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College, IL
$142,516
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Pierpont Community and Technical College, WV
$99,033
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, PA
$95,230
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Ivy Tech Community College, IN
$80,734
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Northwest Iowa Community College, IA
$78,118
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Texas State Technical College, TX
$76,445
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Richmond Community College, NC
$73,774
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Trinidad State College, CO
$73,424
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Arkansas State University-Newport, AR
$71,039
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Red Rocks Community College, CO
$70,780
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Pickens Technical College, CO
$70,780
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Intellitec College-Grand Junction, CO
$70,780
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Emily Griffith Technical College, CO
$70,780
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Intellitec College-Colorado Springs, CO
$70,780
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Warren County Career Center, OH
$70,278
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Kennebec Valley Community College, ME
$70,166
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Western Texas College, TX
$68,077
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Augusta Technical College, GA
$67,147
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Spokane Community College, WA
$66,921
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Bluegrass Community and Technical College, KY
$66,544
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Metropolitan Community College Area, NE
$64,751
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(associates)Elizabethtown Community and Technical College, KY
$64,748
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Dakota County Technical College, MN
$63,839
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers(certificate)Danville Community College, VA
$62,468

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