Signal Mechanics

Overview

Signal Mechanics

Introduction

Signal mechanics, or signal and track switch repairers, are railroad employees who install, repair, and maintain the signals, signal equipment, and gate crossings that are part of the traffic control and communications systems along railroad tracks. They keep both electrical and mechanical components of signaling devices in good operating order by routinely inspecting and testing lights, circuits and wiring, crossing gates, and detection devices. There are approximately 9,200 signal and track switch repairers employed in th...

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$82,710

Employment Prospects

Good

Minimum Education Level

High School Diploma|Some Postsecondary Training


Experience

Apprenticeship


Skills

Math|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity


Personality Traits

Conventional|Hands On|Technical

Earnings

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, signal and track switch repairers, a career that includes signal mechanics, had median hourly earnings of $39.33 (amounting to an annual salary of $82,710) in May 2023. Wages ranged from less than $29.76 per hour ($61,910 a year) to more than $45.89 per hour ($95,460 a year). Workers receive extra pay for overtime work.

In addition to regular ea...

Work Environment

Signal department workers do their work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions, sometimes at night. Some workers are regularly scheduled to be on call for emergency repairs.

There is variety in the kinds of signals a mechanic works on, and variety in the location of the work, so the job is rarely boring. In addition, workers in this field can take pride in the importance of their re...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) predicts that employment for most railroad transportation occupations, including signal mechanics, will be slower than average through 2033. "The expected increase in intermodal freight activity—the shipment of goods through multiple transportation modes—may support demand for railroad workers," the DOL explains. "However, railroads’ efforts to operate more ef...