Career fit quiz

Is Railroad Switch Operator the Right Career for You?

A quick, free 8-question quiz to see how well the railroad switch operator career fits your personality, preferences and goals.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How this quiz works

Rate how much you agree with each statement. The quiz compares your answers with the realities of the railroad switch operator job and gives you an honest fit score in under two minutes. Nothing is saved or sent anywhere.

Statement 1 of 8I like trains
Statement 2 of 8I don’t mind weather
Statement 3 of 8I follow rules
Statement 4 of 8I like teamwork
Statement 5 of 8I can work shifts
Statement 6 of 8I want union pay
Statement 7 of 8I’m willing to spend about Months of railroad training training for this career
Statement 8 of 8A typical salary around $68,840 a year would meet my needs

What this career really involves

Railroad brake, signal and switch operators and locomotive firers operate railroad track switches, couple or uncouple rolling stock and watch for track obstructions.

  • Line switches
  • Couple and uncouple cars
  • Connect air hoses
  • Set hand brakes
  • Give radio signals

Read a full day in the life or see railroad switch operator salary data.

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