Salary Range
Low (10th %)$61,910
Median$82,710
High (90th %)$95,460
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Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
The occupation "Signal and Track Switch Repairers" has an automation risk of 30.9%, which is only slightly lower than its base risk of 31.3%. This relatively moderate risk indicates that while certain tasks within the job can be automated, a significant portion still relies on human skills that machines currently struggle to replicate. The calculation takes into account both the susceptibility of certain routine and repetitive tasks to automation and the presence of more complex or manual tasks that remain difficult for machines to perform efficiently or safely. Among the job's most automatable tasks are inspecting and testing the operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of railroad infrastructure such as gate crossings and signal equipment. Additionally, inspecting electrical units to repair loose bolts and defective connections, as well as testing and repairing track circuits, are activities that can largely be standardized or enhanced with robotics and automated diagnostic tools. Advances in machine vision, diagnostic algorithms, and robotics make it increasingly feasible for these inspection and repair tasks to be handled by machines, contributing to the overall automation risk. However, several essential job duties remain highly resistant to automation. Cleaning the lenses of lamps and lubricating moving parts, while seemingly simple, often require careful manual handling and an awareness of real-world conditions, which can be challenging for robots in an outdoor and potentially hazardous environment. Moreover, recording and reporting information about inspected mileage, repairs performed, and equipment replacement requires contextual judgment and reliable documentation, further limiting automation. The primary bottleneck skill in this occupation is originality, albeit at a modest level (2.0%), highlighting that creativity and problem-solving—skills still difficult to automate—are occasional but necessary aspects of the work.
Filter by Automatable Status
Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
Partially Automatable
Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
Non-Automatable
Test and repair track circuits.
Partially Automatable
Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
Partially Automatable
Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
Non-Automatable
Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
Partially Automatable
Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
Non-Automatable
Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
Partially Automatable
Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
Automatable
Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
Non-Automatable
Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.
Non-Automatable
Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsHistory and ArcheologyPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageFine ArtsEducation and TrainingTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingLaw and Government
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationGetting InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with Computers
Microsoft PowerPointMaintenance management softwareMaintenance management softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareSupervisory control and data acquisition SCADA softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft WordWeb browser softwareWeb browser software
Lighting Technicians
Low29.69%
Set up, maintain, and dismantle light fixtures, lighting control devices, and the associated lighting electrical and rigging equipment used for photography, television, film, video, and live productions. May focus or operate light fixtures, or attach color filters or other lighting accessories.
Electricians
Low24.63%
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers
Low25.49%
Repair, install, or maintain mobile or stationary radio transmitting, broadcasting, and receiving equipment, and two-way radio communications systems used in cellular telecommunications, mobile broadband, ship-to-shore, aircraft-to-ground communications, and radio equipment in service and emergency vehicles. May test and analyze network coverage.
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
Medium40.45%
Install, set up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers' property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.
Avionics Technicians
Low28.44%
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
Low25.44%
Repair, maintain, or install electric motors, wiring, or switches.
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Low26.36%
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
Medium47.64%
Inspect, test, repair, or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays.
Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles
Medium36.96%
Install, diagnose, or repair communications, sound, security, or navigation equipment in motor vehicles.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Rail Car Repairers
Low23.46%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul railroad rolling stock, mine cars, or mass transit rail cars.
Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
Low30.04%
Install, repair, and maintain mechanical regulating and controlling devices, such as electric meters, gas regulators, thermostats, safety and flow valves, and other mechanical governors.
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
Low15.02%
Install or repair cables or wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. May erect poles and light or heavy duty transmission towers.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
Low28.35%
Assemble, fit, fasten, and install parts of airplanes, space vehicles, or missiles, such as tails, wings, fuselage, bulkheads, stabilizers, landing gear, rigging and control equipment, or heating and ventilating systems.
Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers
Medium41.74%
Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.
Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
Low30.05%
Assemble or modify electromechanical equipment or devices, such as servomechanisms, gyros, dynamometers, magnetic drums, tape drives, brakes, control linkage, actuators, and appliances.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Locomotive Engineers
Medium54.80%
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
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.
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
Low19.50%
Install and repair telecommunications cable, including fiber optics.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Medium54.95%
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.