Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Also called: Railroad Brake and Switch Operators
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Also called: Air Brake Operator, Air Hose Coupler, Area Brakeman, Brake Holder, Brake Rider, Brakeman
Median pay
$68,840
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$45,660 – $86,590
People employed
12,400
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 6.Do you want to lead or coordinate other people’s work?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay by state
Annual median pay by state (24 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in every state →
What railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers do
- 01Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
- 02Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
- 03Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
- 04Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
- 05Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
- 06Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
- Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders82% · −14%
- Hoist and Winch Operators79% · −18%
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers78% · −15%
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation76% · group pay
- Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters75% · −11%
Change into railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
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- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity79% · $59,050
Majors that lead here
- Railroad and Railway Transportation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.