Signal and track switch repairers
SOC Code: 49-9097
Signal and track switch repairers carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $83,600 and +1.7% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 8,700 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 32% AI exposure, Signal and track switch repairers sits 5 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 37% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Signal and track switch repairers sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Signal and track switch repairers has ai exposure of 32%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Signal and track switch repairers vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Signal and track switch repairers is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Signal and track switch repairers (SOC 49-9097) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 8,700 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +1.7% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $83,600, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires High school diploma or equivalent, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Signal and track switch repairers. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Inspect and test operation, mechanical parts, and circuitry of gate crossings, signals, and signal equipment such as interlocks and hotbox detectors.
- 2. Inspect electrical units of railroad grade crossing gates and repair loose bolts and defective electrical connections and parts.
- 3. Test and repair track circuits.
- 4. Drive motor vehicles to job sites.
- 5. Install, inspect, maintain, and repair various railroad service equipment on the road or in the shop, including railroad signal systems.
- 6. Tighten loose bolts, using wrenches, and test circuits and connections by opening and closing gates.
- 7. Inspect switch-controlling mechanisms on trolley wires and in track beds, using hand tools and test equipment.
- 8. Replace defective wiring, broken lenses, or burned-out light bulbs.
- 9. Inspect, maintain, and replace batteries as needed.
- 10. Record and report information about mileage or track inspected, repairs performed, and equipment requiring replacement.
Key Skills Required
- Troubleshooting
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Quality Control Analysis
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Equipment Selection
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
Knowledge Areas
- Transportation
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- Telecommunications
- Computers and Electronics
- Building and Construction
- Law and Government
- Mathematics
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Signal and track switch repairers?
Signal and track switch repairers has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Signal and track switch repairers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Signal and track switch repairers is projected to grow by 1.7% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 8,700 workers.
What skills are needed for Signal and track switch repairers?
Key skills for Signal and track switch repairers include Troubleshooting, Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, and others. Typical entry-level education is High school diploma or equivalent.
How much do Signal and track switch repairers earn?
The median annual wage for Signal and track switch repairers is $83,600, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Signal and track switch repairers?
The typical entry-level education for Signal and track switch repairers is High school diploma or equivalent. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves Moderate-term on-the-job training. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Signal and track switch repairers?
Signal and track switch repairers roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).