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.
Also called: Communications Maintainer, Electric Track Switch Maintainer, Gate Technician, Light Rail Signal Technician, Rail Signal Designer, Rail Signal Inspector
Median pay
$92,460
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$62,610 – $119,550
People employed
8,720
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 OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Do you want a lot of freedom to make your own decisions?
The hard parts
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
- Long hours on your feet
Signal and Track Switch Repairers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (21 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What signal and track switch repairers do
- 01Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
- 02Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
- 03Test and repair track circuits.
- 04Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
- 05Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
- 06Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Active Learning
- Monitoring
- Writing
- Speaking
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Telecommunications
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 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 signal and track switch repairers
- Avionics Technicians86% · −11%
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment85% · −8%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay85% · +11%
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians82% · −14%
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers80% · +19%
Change into signal and track switch repairers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians80% · $79,870
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists80% · $61,770
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians79% · $102,040
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines79% · $65,510
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers79% · $63,890
Majors that lead here
- Electrician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.