How to become Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay

$68,840

25th–75th pct. $57,820–$76,590

Top pay (est.)

$112,600

Top 10% $86,590

Pay in 5 years

$79,800est.

2031

Pay in 10 years

$92,500est.

$79,500–$107,400

Outlook score

47/100

★★☆☆☆ Average

AI replacement risk

29%

Low

Job growth (10 yr)

+0.8%

900 openings / yr

How to become Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Key skills

Operation and Control

3.1

Monitoring

3.1

Operations Monitoring

3.1

Coordination

2.9

Critical Thinking

2.9

Time Management

2.6

Social Perceptiveness

2.5

Judgment and Decision Making

2.5

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation

5.3

Public Safety and Security

4.8

Customer and Personal Service

4.2

English Language

3.9

Administration and Management

3.6

Education and Training

3.5

Telecommunications

2.8

Computers and Electronics

2.6

What the work involves

Performing General Physical ActivitiesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsTraining and Teaching Others

Important abilities

Reaction TimeControl PrecisionFar VisionExtent FlexibilityOral ComprehensionResponse Orientation

Training before entry

3–6 months

40%

6–12 months

23%

1–3 months

2–4 years

4–10 years

Up to 1 month

Related work experience

1–2 years

26%

2–4 years

24%

1–3 months

None

Over 10 years

4–6 years

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
2	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
3	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
4	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
5	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
6	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data

Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.