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Rail Signal Electrician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Rail Signal Electrician information

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$5

$29

$44

How much do rail signal electrician jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail signal electrician in the United States is $29.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a rail signal electrician?

Rail Signal Electricians are skilled tradespeople who install, maintain, and repair the electrical signaling systems used on railways. These systems control train movements, ensuring the safe and efficient operation of trains by managing track signals, switches, and automated warning devices. Rail Signal Electricians work on both the hardware and wiring of these systems, performing regular inspections and troubleshooting faults to prevent accidents and delays. Their work is vital for railway safety and requires strong technical knowledge of electronics and railway regulations.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a rail signal electrician?

To thrive as a Rail Signal Electrician, you need in-depth knowledge of electrical systems, signaling principles, and safety regulations, typically supported by an electrical apprenticeship or relevant certification. Familiarity with signal testing equipment, fault-finding tools, wiring diagrams, and systems like relay-based or electronic interlocking is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this field. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of railway signaling systems, which is critical for train safety and network performance.

What are common challenges faced by rail signal electricians?

Rail Signal Electricians often work in outdoor environments and must be prepared to handle challenging weather conditions and irregular hours, including nights and weekends. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols due to the proximity to active rail lines and high-voltage equipment. Additionally, troubleshooting complex signal systems under time pressure to minimize rail service disruptions can be demanding. Collaboration with other rail operations and maintenance teams is essential to ensure safe and efficient train movement.

What is the difference between Rail Signal Electrician vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectRail Signal ElectricianSignal Maintainer
CertificationsElectrical licenses, industry-specific trainingElectrical certifications, specialized signal system training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, tunnels, outdoor tracksTrackside, control centers, outdoor environments
Industry UsageDesign, install, repair railway signaling systemsMaintain and troubleshoot signaling equipment

Rail Signal Electricians and Signal Maintainers both work with railway signaling systems, often sharing certifications and working environments. The main difference lies in their focus: Electricians typically handle installation and electrical repairs, while Maintainers focus on ongoing system upkeep and troubleshooting.

More about Rail Signal Electrician jobs
Infographic showing various Rail Signal Electrician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,577 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Birmingham, AL)

Norfolk Southern Corp.

Sylacauga, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 20 days ago


Job description

Requisition 40169: Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Birmingham, AL)ย 

We are accepting applications to build a pipeline of qualified candidates for upcoming hiring needs. Candidates who successfully complete the hiring process may be considered for training classes between late 2026 and mid-2027, based on business needs and location availability.ย 

Descriptionย 

At Norfolk Southern, we believe that ourpeoplepower progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values-Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork-whichย guideย how we work, lead, and grow together. Ifyou'reready to launch a career in railroad signal maintenance and contribute to the safety and reliability of train operations, we invite you to explore the Apprentice Signal Trainee role.ย 

This hands-on, field-based position prepares individuals for a career in signal maintenance through structured classroom instruction and on-the-job training. Apprentice Signal Trainees learn to install, inspect, andmaintainsignal systems that are critical to safe and efficient rail operations.ย 

What Should You Knowย 

  • This is a seniority-based union position.You willย be requiredย to bid onย available positions, which may beย locatedย outside your training location.Relocation may be necessary based on the outcome of the bid process.Relocationassistanceis not provided for this position.ย 

  • You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, includingholidays,nightsand weekends.ย 

  • Extensive travel isrequiredduring training (up to 75%).ย 

  • You willbe requiredto join the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen (BRS) within60 daysofestablishingseniority.ย 

  • You must obtainย a Classย A CDL within90 daysof hire (training provided by Norfolk Southern)ย 

Trainingย 

Training lasts approximately52 weeksand includes both classroom and field instruction.ย 

Click on the link below tolearn more about our training program:ย 

https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216ย 

  • Classroom Training:Three sessions (3 weeks each) at the NS Training Center in McDonough, GA. Hotel accommodations, mileage reimbursement, and meal stipends provided.ย 

  • Field Training:Hands-on experience with construction and maintenance crews across your seniority district.ย 

  • Evaluations:Periodic written and practical assessments.ย 

Successful completionof the training programplaces apprentices on the seniority roster and makes them eligible to bid on Signal Maintainerposition.ย 

SeniorityDistricts:ย 

  • Eastern Region North (ERN)ย 

  • Norfolk & Western (NW)ย 

  • Southern Lines East (SLE)ย 

  • Southern Lines West (SLW)ย 

  • WRE (Western Region East (WRE)ย 

  • Western Region West (WRW)ย 

A detailed overview of the seniority districts is available in the following video:https://statics.teams.cdn.office.net/evergreen-assets/safelinks/2/atp-safelinks.htmlย 

Job Responsibilitiesย 

  • Perform FRA-required inspections and testing of signal systems and grade crossings.ย 

  • Install,maintain, and repair signal equipment includingsignal lights, switch machines, and electrical switch locksย 

  • Crossing warning devices and interlocking systemsย 

  • Positive Train Control (PTC) and cab signal systemsย 

  • Read and interpret electrical schematics and technical diagrams.ย 

  • Operate hand tools, electrical testing instruments, and heavy equipmentย 

  • Accurately document inspections, repairs, and installations.ย 

  • Work safely in outdoor environments under varying weather conditions.ย 

  • Respond to on-call assignments, including nights and weekends.ย 

Qualifications - Requiredย 

  • You mustbe 18 years or older.ย 

  • High school diploma or GED.ย 

  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.ย 

  • You must obtainย a Classย A CDL within90 daysof hire (training provided by NorfolkSouthern)ย 

  • This includes passing acommercialdrivermedical certification examination.ย 

  • Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.ย 

  • Must not have a conviction for, or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicledriverslicense for,operatinga motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substanceย 

  • In the past36 months,ย Mustย not have conviction for,or completed state action to cancel, revoke, suspend, or deny a motor vehicle driver's license for, refusal to undergo such testing as is required by State or foreign law when a law enforcement official seeks to determine whether a person is operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substanceย 

  • Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.ย 

Qualifications - Preferredย 

  • Technical certificate or associate degree in Electrical Technology, Electronics Engineering, or related field.ย 

  • OSHA 10/30, First Aid/CPR, TWIC card.ย 

  • 1-2 years in electrical, mechanical, or field service work.ย 

  • Strong mechanical and electrical aptitude.ย 

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.ย 

  • Proficient in basic computer applications (Excel, Word, Outlook).ย 

  • Effective time management and communication skills.ย 

Physical and Mental Job Requirementsย 

  • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs.ย 

  • Capable of climbing, bending, stooping, and working at heights.ย 

  • Ability to walk long distances on uneven terrain.ย 

  • Must pass FRA/FMCSAphysical standardsincluding:ย 

  • Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together withorwithout corrective lenses).ย 

  • Color vision (must pass FRA-approved tests; lenses to improve color vision are notpermitted).ย 

  • Hearing (no hearing loss greater than 40B average at 500, 1000, and 2000 Hz in better ear; may be met with hearing aid).ย 

Work Conditionsย 

  • Outdoor field work in all weather conditions.ย 

  • Extensive travel during training (up to 75%).ย 

  • On-call and weekend availabilityrequired.ย 

  • Union membershiprequired(BRS).ย 

Compensation and Benefitsย 

  • Weeks 1-3 (Classroom): $1,200/weekย 

  • Apprentice Periods:ย 

  • First130 days: $36.48/hrย 

  • Second130 days: $36.85/hrย 

  • Post-Apprenticeship (Signal Maintainer): $37.98/hr+ย 

Benefits Include:ย 

  • Medical coverage begins the first day of the second month after hireย 

  • Health insurance (80/20 or 85/15 plan)ย 

  • $20,000 life insuranceย 

  • 401(k) eligibility from day oneย 

  • Dental and vision coverage after one year of serviceย 

Company Overview

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation's premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier ofย coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.