Signal and Track Switch Repairers

SOC code 49-9097 · O*NET-SOC 49-9097.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades

Signal and Track Switch Repairers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$92,460

a year

Hourly

$44.45

per hour

10th$62,610Median$92,46090th$119,550

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$90,410

$43.47 per hour

Middle 50%

$79,720 – $99,320

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$62,610 – $119,550

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

8,720

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $62,610; $30.10/hr
25th percentile: $79,720; $38.33/hr
Median percentile: $92,460; $44.45/hr
75th percentile: $99,320; $47.75/hr
90th percentile: $119,550; $57.48/hr

What do signal and track switch repairers do?

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold less than a high school diploma — 34% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed

Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: 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.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

See all zone 3 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Less than a High School Diploma34%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)29%
Post-Secondary Certificate24%
Some College Courses10%

Common questions

How much does a signal and track switch repairers earn?

The national median is $92,460 a year. The full range runs from $62,610 at the 10th percentile to $119,550 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a signal and track switch repairers without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Critical Thinking3.8/5
Active Listening3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Transportation3.7/5
Mechanical3.7/5
English Language3.6/5
Public Safety and Security3.5/5
Engineering and Technology3.1/5
Telecommunications3.1/5
Computers and Electronics3.0/5
Building and Construction2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Quality Control Analysis, Operations Monitoring, Equipment Selection.