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Signal Apprentice Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

Bellevue, OH ยท On-site

$37.98/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH) Date: Jul 14, 2026 Location: Bellevue, OH, US, 44811 Company: Norfolk Southern Corp. Requisition 39957: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal ...

Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

Cincinnati, OH ยท On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Cincinnati, OH) Date: Jul 20, 2026 Location: Cincinnati, OH, US, 45203 Company: Norfolk Southern Corp. Requisition 40093: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal ...

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Signal Apprentice information

See Ohio salary details

$13

$17

$23

How much do signal apprentice jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal apprentice in Ohio is $17.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $20.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a signal apprentice?

Signal Apprentices are entry-level workers who assist with the installation, maintenance, and repair of railway signaling systems. They usually work under the supervision of experienced signal technicians or engineers while learning the skills necessary to ensure the safe operation of trains. Signal Apprentices handle tasks such as wiring, testing equipment, troubleshooting faults, and following strict safety procedures. This position typically involves a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction, and it is a pathway to becoming a fully qualified Signal Technician.

What are some common challenges signal apprentices face during their training, and how can they overcome them?

Signal Apprentices often encounter challenges such as mastering complex technical concepts, adapting to strict safety protocols, and working in varying weather conditions. Success in this role typically requires strong attention to detail, a willingness to learn hands-on from experienced technicians, and effective communication with team members. Apprentices can overcome these challenges by seeking guidance from mentors, actively participating in training sessions, and staying proactive in asking questions and practicing new skills on the job.

What is the difference between Signal Apprentice vs Signal Technician?

AspectSignal ApprenticeSignal Technician
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; on-the-job training; sometimes technical certificationsHigh school diploma; technical certifications or associate degree often preferred; extensive on-the-job training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, rail yards, or maintenance areas; supervised training settingFieldwork on railways, transit systems, or infrastructure; more independent
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, construction companiesRailroads, transit authorities, infrastructure contractors

The main difference between a Signal Apprentice and a Signal Technician is experience and responsibility. An apprentice is in training, focusing on learning skills and gaining experience, while a technician is fully qualified to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, and repairs independently. Apprentices typically work under supervision, whereas technicians handle more complex tasks on their own.

What are the most commonly searched types of Signal jobs in Ohio?

The most popular types of Signal jobs in Ohio are:

What cities in Ohio are hiring for Signal Apprentice jobs?

Cities in Ohio with the most Signal Apprentice job openings:

Infographic showing various Signal Apprentice job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,361 per year, or $17.5 per hour.

Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee

MSCCN

Bellevue, OH โ€ข On-site

$37.98/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description


2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH)
Date: Jul 14, 2026
Location: Bellevue, OH, US, 44811
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
Requisition 39957: 2026 Electrical Apprentice Signal Trainee (Bellevue, OH)
Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216
Primary Purpose:
Apprentice Signal Trainees will be trained to perform the duties of Signal Workers. Signal Workers are an important link between ensuring compliance to FRA regulations and customer satisfaction while achieving the safest most efficient railroad operations.
Principal Duties:
Signal Workers are primarily responsible for performing FRA regulatory test and inspections of the signals systems and crossings.
Install, repair, and maintain, test and inspect various equipment such as signals lights, switch machines, electrical switch locks, switch circuit controllers, as well as crossing warning devices as well as the maintenance and repair of automated classification yards.
Install, repair, maintain, test, and inspect signal systems including Automatic Block, Traffic Control, Positive Train Control, cab signal and interlocking systems.
Other general duties include cable locates, painting and housekeeping of signal housings & equipment; climb and troubleshoot signal structures and make electrical connections.
Use of a wide variety of hand tools, on track high-rail equipment, and test instruments
Perform construction duties, including digging holes and trenches to lay cables, wiring apparatus, setting foundations, installing equipment, etc.
This role requires travel and on-call availability including weekends.
Apprentice Signal Trainee Training Program
Successful applicants will participate in a 52-week paid apprenticeship training program that includes in-class theory and lab work with hands-on skill development in the field.
Week 1-3: Signal Training-1 (McDonough, GA)
Week 4-16: OJT Signal Construction Gang
Week 11-19: Signal Training-2 (McDonough, GA)
Weeks 20-40: OJT Signal Maintenance Training
Week 41-43: Signal Training-3 (McDonough, GA)
Weeks 44-52: Additional OJT training
The in-class portion of the training program consists of three sessions that are three weeks long each. These sessions are in McDonough, GA and are mandatory.
Apprentices will be required to pass a series of periodic tests relating to duties, responsibilities, and operating rules. In the circumstance that an apprentice fails any of the periodic testing, their application for employment may be rejected at that time.
Apprentices that successfully complete the training will then be placed on the seniority district roster hired and is eligible to bid on Signalman or Signal Maintainer roles.
Eastern Region North (ERN)
Norfolk & Western (NW)
Southern Lines East (SLE)
Southern Lines West (SLW)
WRE (Western Region East (WRE)
Western Region West (WRW)
Probation period is 90 days in which you must secure a Class A CDL.
Rate of Pay
Initial 3 weeks at the Norfolk Southern Training Center - Compensation is $1,200.00 per week.
First Period (through day 130) - Compensation is $36.48 per hour.
Second period (next 130 days) - Compensation is $36.85 per hour.
After completion of these 275 days, new hires will receive 100%, which is $37.98 per hour.
Medical Benefits
Company Benefits - Eligible 1st day of second month after hire (during training)
80/20 plan for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents
Union Benefits (Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen - BRS) available after mark-up from Trainee status.
Medical (Managed or 85/15 Plan)
$20K Life Insurance
401 (K) First Day of Employment
After 1st year of service: Eligible for Dental / Vision
Job Related Experience:
Minimum Level: 1-2 years
Preferred Level: 3-5 years
Education:
Required: High School diploma or GED
Preferred Level: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)
Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer
Licenses / Certifications:
Required: CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)
Required: None listed
Preferred: None listed
Skills and Abilities:
Time Management
Prioritizing Work Demands
Communication Skills
Multi-tasking
Planning and Organizing
MS Excel/Spreadsheets, MS Outlook, and MS Word/Word Processing
Career Path:
Predecessor Jobs: None
Future Jobs: Supervisor C&S
Environment: Outdoor/Field
Shift Work: No
On-Call: Yes
Weekend Work: Yes
Travel Required: Yes (75% during training; dynamic after mark-up)
Norfolk Southern Electrical Signal Trainee Program (Day in the Life): https://vimeo.com/871474435/990fe84216
BRS Seniority District and Bidding Overview video
Additional Qualifications/Responsibilities
Job Related Experience:
Minimum Level: 1-2 years
Preferred Level: 3-5 years
Education:
Required: High School diploma or GED
Preferred Level: Technical Certification or Associate degree (AS)
Preferred Majors: Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering or Electrical Engineer
Licenses / Certifications:
Required: CDL Class A License (must secure license within 111 days of hire date)
Required: None listed
Preferred: None listed