Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
O*NET 53-4022.00 · SOC 53-4022
Railroad Brake is a solid career choice. Median pay is $69k a year with +0.8% projected growth through 2035 (slower than average) and about 900 openings a year. AI exposure: Elevated.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Throw track switches to route trains onto correct lines
- →Signal engineers using flags, lights, or radio communication
- →Apply hand brakes to secure parked rail cars
- →Monitor signals and relay information to train crews
- →Inspect couplings and air hoses between rail cars
Education & How to Get In
Railroad Brake roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent, with most training happening on the job. This makes it one of the more accessible career paths, you can often start working while earning certifications or completing short-term training programs.
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Work Environment
Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites
Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Railroad Brake involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Railroad Brake?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Railroad Brake Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
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Job Outlook
Employment of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is projected to grow 0.8% from 2025 to 2035, slower than average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
- ·46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Railroad Brake make?
The median Railroad Brake earns $69k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Railroad Brake jobs?
Our model puts Railroad Brake at 53 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is elevated disruption risk. The main drivers: 41% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 46% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.
Is Railroad Brake a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 0.8% between 2025 and 2035, which is slower than average. That works out to roughly 900 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Railroad Brake?
Most Railroad Brake roles need a high school diploma or equivalent, with training happening on the job. A degree is not the usual route in.
How long does it take to become a Railroad Brake?
Typically under a year, usually a high school diploma plus short training. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 2 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Railroad Brake career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
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