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Signal Inspector information

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How much do signal inspector jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for signal inspector in Virginia is $45.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.25 and $60.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a signal inspector?

A Signal Inspector is responsible for inspecting, testing, and maintaining railroad or transit signal systems to ensure they operate safely and comply with regulations. They examine signal equipment, wiring, switches, and related components for defects or malfunctions. Their duties often include troubleshooting issues, performing routine maintenance, and documenting inspections. Signal Inspectors work closely with maintenance and engineering teams to ensure the reliability of signaling systems. This role is critical for ensuring the safe and efficient movement of trains or transit vehicles.

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

To thrive as a Signal Inspector, you need a strong understanding of railway signaling systems, safety regulations, and electrical/mechanical troubleshooting, often supported by relevant vocational training or certification. Familiarity with signal testing equipment, diagnostic tools, and compliance with industry-specific safety protocols like FRA regulations is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and clear communication are vital soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills ensure the reliability and safety of train operations, helping prevent accidents and costly downtime.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a signal inspector?

Signal Inspectors typically spend their days inspecting, testing, and maintaining railway signaling equipment such as switches, relays, and track circuits. They ensure all systems are functioning correctly and in compliance with safety standards, often working outdoors in various weather conditions and locations along the rail network. Collaboration with maintenance crews, engineers, and supervisors is common, as is the need to keep detailed records of inspections and repairs. This hands-on role can require travel and irregular hours, but it offers the satisfaction of playing a critical role in transportation safety.

What are popular job titles related to Signal Inspector jobs in Virginia?

For Signal Inspector jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Signal Inspector jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Signal Inspector jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Signal Inspector jobs in VA?

For Signal Inspector jobs in VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Signal Inspector jobs near you
Infographic showing various Signal Inspector job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,219 per year, or $45.3 per hour.

Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control) - BIL DIRECT HIRE- SME

Department of Transportation

Richmond, VA

$89K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

California Conservation Corps rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

544th of 846 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

As a Railroad Safety Inspector (Signal & Train Control), you will enforce Federal safety and health regulations that are concern with signal and train control and highway-rail grade crossing warning systems within an assigned territory.

Qualifications:

To meet the minimum qualifications for this position, you must meet the specialized experience qualifications. 

To be qualified for a Railroad Safety Inspector, the Qualifications Standards states you MUST have demonstrated knowledge in the following areas:

  • Railroad industry, including economic and operating considerations and equipment.
  • General safety and health principles and practices applicable to the railroad industry.
  • Railroad accident investigation techniques.
  • Skill in written and oral communication.
  • Knowledge of the design, installation, maintenance, testing, or inspection of signal and train control systems and their capabilities and limitations.
  • Knowledge of applicable Federal laws and regulations pertaining to railroad signaling and train control systems; AND
  • Knowledge of locomotive braking systems and their relationship to and interface with train control or automatic train stop systems and braking distances.   

To qualify for the Grade 12, you must have at least one year of experience equal or equivalent to the GS-11 it must include:

  • Experience administering or leading periodic inspections of all signal and train control/and or highway-rail grade crossing warning systems' compliance programs, and building stakeholder consensus to achieve safety goals.
  • Experience investigating independently, or as a part of a team, reportable collisions, derailments, and other accidents involving signal or train control failure; or failure of highway crossing warning equipment when the accident involved rail and vehicle collision.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs): Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities and/or competencies in the following areas:

  1. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
  2. Compliance- Knowledge of procedures for assessing, evaluating, and monitoring programs or projects for compliance with Federal laws, regulations, and guidance.
  3. Communication- Experience writing and presenting information pertaining to signal and train control systems and highway- rail grade crossing active warning systems.
  4. Accident Investigation- Knowledge of guidelines, regulations, and procedures associated with an accident investigation including preservation of accident scene, root cause analysis, and evidence detection and handling.

For all types of consideration, experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social).  Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment.  You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
For additional information about applying to Federal positions, please click on the following link:  https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/#url=e4
All applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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