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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 53-4021 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication. Pull or push track switches to reroute cars. Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated. Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly. Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains. Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched. Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes. Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains. Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary. Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools. Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $12.40   Entry $25,784.00
Mean $20.49   Mean $42,624.00
Experience $24.54 Experience $51,049.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
22023020.44
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No postsecondary schools reported programs.
Occupational Videos
53-4021.00 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators