Signal and Track Switch Repairers Salary Guide 2025: $92,460 Median, Job Growth & How to Enter
Signal and Track Switch Repairers earn a median $92,460 per year, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The mean annual wage is $90,410, or roughly $44 an hour. Most workers fall between $62,610 (10th percentile) and $119,550 (90th percentile). The occupation covers anyone who installs, maintains, and repairs the electrical and mechanical systems that control railway signals and track switches. It's a specialized trade with strong pay but limited growth.
How much Signal and Track Switch Repairers earn
The national median salary for Signal and Track Switch Repairers is $92,460. Half of workers earn more than that, half less. The average (mean) wage is $90,410, which comes out to about $44 per hour. The bottom 10% earn $62,610 or less, while the top 10% make $119,550 or more. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for 2024.
- Median annual wage: $92,460
- Mean annual wage: $90,410 ($43.47/hr)
- 10th percentile: $62,610
- 90th percentile: $119,550
- National employment: 8,720 workers
Pay by state
Salaries vary significantly by location. The highest-paying state for Signal and Track Switch Repairers is Massachusetts, where the average annual wage reaches $126,440. Washington follows at $121,710, then Minnesota ($96,780), Arizona ($96,460), and Virginia ($95,620). On the lower end, Ohio pays an average of just $58,840, well below the national median. Florida averages $78,680 and Kentucky $75,870. These extremes reflect differences in union density, cost of living, and rail traffic concentration.
How to become Signal and Track Switch Repairer
Most Signal and Track Switch Repairers enter the occupation through an apprenticeship or on-the-job training program, often sponsored by a railroad company or a union. Formal education requirements vary: some employers require a high school diploma or equivalent, while others prefer an associate degree in electronics or railroad technology. Key skills include electrical troubleshooting, familiarity with relay logic and microprocessor-based systems, and the ability to work outdoors in all weather. Certifications are not universal, but the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) sets safety standards that workers must follow. Advancement often comes with experience and additional training in signal systems.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- Complete an apprenticeship or railroad training program (typically 2–4 years).
- Gain skills in electrical systems, electronics, and mechanical repairs.
- Obtain any required FRA safety certifications (varies by employer).
- Pass a background check and drug test.
Job outlook
Employment of Signal and Track Switch Repairers is projected to grow 1.7% from 2024 to 2034, which the BLS classifies as slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 800 openings per year over the decade, mostly from the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field. The total workforce is small—just 8,720 as of 2024—so growth will be limited. Rail freight and passenger transit expansion could add some jobs, but automation of signal systems may reduce demand for manual repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary for Signal and Track Switch Repairers?
The median annual salary is $92,460. The mean wage is $90,410, or about $44 per hour. Typical pay ranges from $62,610 at the 10th percentile to $119,550 at the 90th percentile.
How do you become a Signal and Track Switch Repairer?
You typically need a high school diploma and then complete a railroad or union apprenticeship lasting 2–4 years. On-the-job training and hands-on electrical skills are key. Some employers prefer an associate degree in electronics.
What is the job outlook for Signal and Track Switch Repairers?
The BLS projects 1.7% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, which is slower than average. About 800 openings per year are expected, mostly from retirements. The current workforce is around 8,720.
Which states pay Signal and Track Switch Repairers the most?
Massachusetts leads at $126,440, followed by Washington ($121,710), Minnesota ($96,780), Arizona ($96,460), and Virginia ($95,620). The lowest-paying state is Ohio ($58,840).
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Signal and Track Switch Repairers data.