Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Railroad Signal Technician
What railroad signal technicians actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a railroad signal technician?
Job briefing. From there, the day usually includes inspect signals, test track circuits, and repair switch machines. Full time, with on-call duty for failures.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a railroad signal technician working full time.
- Job briefing.
- Test a crossing’s gates and lights.
- Troubleshoot a track circuit.
- Lubricate a switch machine.
- Install a signal relay.
- Log test results.
- Respond to a call-out.
Where railroad signal technicians work
Technicians work outdoors along tracks and in signal houses.
Hours and schedule
Full time, with on-call duty for failures.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Inspect signals
- Test track circuits
- Repair switch machines
- Maintain crossing gates
- Troubleshoot failures
- Document FRA tests
- Install new equipment
Tools you’ll use every day
- Multimeters
- Signal testers
- Relay testers
- Laptops
- Hand tools
- Hi-rail trucks
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay
- Union benefits
- Technical work
- Public safety role
What’s hard
- On-call nights
- All weather
- Track hazards
- Travel within territory
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I like electrical troubleshooting
- I care about safety
- I don’t mind on-call work
- I like working outdoors
- I want strong pay
- I like independence
Not sure? Take the free Railroad Signal Technician fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Get track authority
- Follow roadway worker protection
- Use lockout on signal power
- Watch for trains