Signal and Track Switch Repairers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Signal and Track Switch Repairers fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Signal and Track Switch Repairers earn a median salary of $83,600 per year, ranking in the top 21% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +1.7% job growth through 2034, projected to grow slower than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do signal and track switch repairers earn?

The median annual wage for signal and track switch repairers is $83,600. That puts signal and track switch repairers at #173 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is signal and track switch repairers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for signal and track switch repairers is +1.7%, projected to grow slower than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 8K positions in 2024 to 8K in 2034, a net change of 0K. Flat growth typically reflects a mature, stable field. Most openings will come from retirements rather than new positions, which can favor candidates with strong networks and willingness to relocate.

What do signal and track switch repairers do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working signal and track switch repairers, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
2. 2.Lubricate moving parts on gate-crossing mechanisms and swinging signals.
3. 3.Clean lenses of lamps with cloths and solvents.
4. 4.Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
5. 5.Test and repair track circuits.
6. 6.Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
7. 7.Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
8. 8.Drive motor vehicles to job sites.

Top skills for signal and track switch repairers

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become signal and track switch repairer?

Signal and Track Switch Repairers typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay
  $100,940 median
• Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers
  $92,560 median
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  $82,730 median
• Avionics Technicians
  $81,390 median
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  $78,680 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
  $78,300 median

Common questions parents ask about signal and track switch repairers