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Rail Signal Technician Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Pacific

Signal Maintainer

The Dalles, OR

$48.72/hr

Description We are seeking a skilled professional to join our team as a Signal System Technician. In this role, you will play a crucial part in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our railroad ...

Modern Railway Systems

Signal Foreman

Chicago, IL · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Main responsibilities will include overseeing the installation, maintenance, and repair of railway signaling systems. This role will lead a team of signal technicians and workers, ensuring that all ...

Herzog

Superintendent of Signals

Menlo Park, CA

$135K - $150K/yr

Supervise work crews, including signal Foremen, Inspectors and signal technicians. * Execute action ... Knowledge in railroad signal/communication practices. * Knowledgeable in FRA rules and regulations ...

Marmon

Rail Switching Technician

Dayton, OH · On-site

$20/hr

Railserve is hiring dependable and safety-focused Rail Switching Technicians in Dayton, OH to ... signals, and operating procedures Inspect locomotives prior to operation Operate hand and ground ...

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Rail Signal Technician information

See salary details

$29.5K

$52.3K

$80K

How much do rail signal technician jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for rail signal technician in the United States is $52,349.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,500.00 and $62,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a rail signal technician do?

A Rail Signal Technician is responsible for installing, maintaining, testing, and repairing the signaling systems that control railway traffic. Their work ensures that trains operate safely and efficiently by making sure signals, track circuits, and related equipment function correctly. These technicians may work on both the hardware and software aspects of signaling systems, and they often perform inspections and troubleshooting in the field. Rail Signal Technicians play a vital role in preventing accidents and minimizing delays on rail networks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a rail signal technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Rail Signal Technician, you need strong knowledge of electrical systems, troubleshooting skills, and typically a background in electronics or electrical engineering, often supported by vocational training or certification. Familiarity with industry-standard signal testing equipment, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and railway signaling systems is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are key soft skills for ensuring safety and collaborating with team members. These skills are essential for maintaining reliable rail operations, preventing accidents, and ensuring the safe movement of trains.

What are some common challenges faced by rail signal technicians in the field?

Rail Signal Technicians often encounter challenges such as working outdoors in various weather conditions, responding to urgent repairs during off-hours, and troubleshooting complex signal systems under time pressure. The role requires strict adherence to safety protocols and precise documentation, as signal reliability is critical for train operations. Collaboration with train controllers, engineers, and maintenance teams is frequent, ensuring all systems function optimally and any issues are resolved quickly to prevent service disruptions.

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

AspectRail Signal TechnicianSignal Maintainer
CredentialsTypically requires technical certifications or electrical trainingSimilar certifications, often overlapping with electrical or signal systems training
Work EnvironmentInstall, troubleshoot, and repair railway signaling systemsMaintain and repair existing signaling equipment and systems
Industry UsageCommonly employed by railroads and transit agenciesUsed interchangeably in many companies, focusing on maintenance

Both Rail Signal Technicians and Signal Maintainers work in railway signaling, often sharing similar certifications and work environments. The main difference lies in scope: technicians may focus more on installation and troubleshooting, while maintainers typically handle ongoing repairs and upkeep. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in railway signaling.

How to become a rail signal technician?

To become a rail signal technician, typically one needs a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or an apprenticeship in railway signaling systems. Certifications in electrical or electronic systems and familiarity with tools and safety procedures are often required, along with the ability to work in a team environment and sometimes a valid driver's license. Ongoing training is common to stay current with technological advancements in signaling equipment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Rail Signal Technician jobs?

The most popular types of Rail Signal Technician jobs are:

What states have the most Rail Signal Technician jobs?

States with the most job openings for Rail Signal Technician jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Rail Signal Technician jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Rail Signal Technician jobs are:

Rail Signal Technician jobs near you
Infographic showing various Rail Signal Technician job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,349 per year, or $25.2 per hour.

Railroad Relief Signal Maintainer Technician

C.D.L. ELECTRIC COMPANY, Inc.

Peoria, IL • On-site

$47K - $62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Test, maintain, and improve signal systems at railroad grade crossings and way-side signal locations.

  • Respond to dispatch and supervisor trouble calls in a timely manner and maintain test records according to schedules.

  • Keep company vehicle, equipment, tools, and meters in good working order and assist with special projects as assigned.

Job description

Description
Seeking a Relief Signal Maintainer for the Peoria, IL area.
Incentives Include:
  • Company vehicle, laptop, and cell phone provided.
  • Wages are negotiable as per experience.

Benefits Include:
  • Health, dental, vision, 401-K, and profit sharing for all full-time employees.
  • Paid holidays after 60 days of employment.
  • Employee referral bonuses
  • Employer paid Long Term Disability and Life Insurance

Summary
A Railroad Signal Maintainer for CDL is responsible for testing, maintaining and improving signal systems at railroad grade crossings and way-side signal locations in accordance with FRA and CDL standards. A signal maintainer will be evaluated in 5 basic areas:
  • Safety
  • Maintenance & Improvements
  • Testing & Inspections
  • Trouble Calls & Troubleshooting
  • Team Player

Preferred Experience Includes:
  • Knowledge of basic electronics and electrical fundamentals with an emphasis in low-voltage AC & DC circuits and relay or ladder logic. Should be able to read wiring diagrams and use multi-meter.
  • General knowledge of rail operations and railroad signaling principals specifically is preferred, but willing to train a highly motivated candidate.
  • Signal maintaining is a largely independent job thus good time management and personal initiative are essential.
  • Should be proficient with a personal computer and the MS Office line of products.
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent unless otherwise approved by upper management.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Responsible for testing, maintaining and improving grade crossing warning, AEI or defect detector systems on an assigned territory. Follow all published regulations and applicable testing standards.
  • Willing to be On-Call and available to respond to dispatch and supervisor Trouble Calls in a timely manner.
  • Be responsible to maintain test records according to set retention schedules.
  • Foster good relationships with local railroad customers and suppliers
  • Be a team player willing to help on other territories and railroads. Assist with special projects, when assigned.
  • Responsible for the safety of themselves and those around them. Reports any unsafe conditions that may exist.
  • Keep company vehicle, equipment, tools and meters in good working order, following all maintenance and calibration schedules.
  • Extensive Travel Required
  • Other duties as required or assigned by leadership team.
  • Demonstrate and attain CDL Core Values: INTEGRITY, SAFETY, PEOPLE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND EXCELLENCE
  • Demonstrate and attain CDL Core Focus: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

Physical Demands:
  • Standing, walking, bending, kneeling and/or sitting for long periods of time.
  • Climbing ladders to reach ceilings and other high objects.
  • Push/Pull/Lift/Moving 50 pounds repeatedly.
  • Working in adverse weather conditions.
  • Walk and stand on uneven surfaces

Apply