# Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

> Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-4022.00
- **Summary:** Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

## Aliases

- Brakeman
- Locomotive Switch Operator
- Railroad Switchman
- Trainman
- Carman
- Fireman
- Railroad Brakeman
- Terminal Carman
- Air Brake Operator
- Air Hose Coupler
- Area Brakeman
- Brake Holder

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.d |
| Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication. | Core | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites. | Supplemental | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Pull or push track switches to reroute cars. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated. | Core | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Operate locomotives in emergency situations. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains. | Core | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes. | Core | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Monitor traffic signals. | 4.A.1.a.2.d |
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards. | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment. | 4.A.3.a.2.d |
| Climb ladders or vehicles to perform duties. | 4.A.3.a.1.n |
| Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Monitor availability of equipment or supplies. | 4.A.4.c.3.g |
| Monitor engine operation or functioning. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Arrange maintenance activities. | 4.A.2.b.5.b |
| Maintain locomotives or other rail equipment in good working condition. | 4.A.3.b.4.e |
| Connect hoses to equipment or machinery. | 4.A.3.a.2.ah |
| Record operational or production data. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Record service or repair activities. | 4.A.3.b.6.h |
| Assist passengers during vehicle boarding. | 4.A.4.a.5.j |
| Test mechanical systems to ensure proper functioning. | 4.A.1.b.2.l |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transportation | knowledge | 3.85 |
| Control Precision | ability | 3.75 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.75 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | ability | 3.62 |
| Far Vision | ability | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.5 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.5 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.5 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.5 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.46 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.38 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 3.38 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.38 |
| Mechanical | knowledge | 3.3 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.25 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 3.25 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.16 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.12 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | ability | 3.12 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Coordination | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3 |
| Visualization | ability | 3 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 3 |
| Time Sharing | ability | 3 |
| Finger Dexterity | ability | 3 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Outlook | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Time Tracking Software | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Google Android | Operating system software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Office software | Office suite software | yes | yes |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Outlook | Electronic mail software | yes | no |
| Electronic train management system software | Data base user interface and query software | no | no |
| Electronic train management systems ETMS | Expert system software | no | no |
| Route mapping software | Route navigation software | no | no |
| Time tracking software | Time accounting software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.93 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.79 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.72 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.71 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.7 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.56 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.43 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.43 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.39 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 4.37 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.36 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 4.3 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.3 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 4.29 |
| Contact With Others | 4.28 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.15 |
| Time Pressure | 4.15 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 4.1 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.08 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.05 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.05 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 4 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.92 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 3.74 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.66 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.57 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.56 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 3.5 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.21 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.17 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.12 |
| Exposed to High Places | 3.1 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.98 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.92 |
| Conflict Situations | 2.79 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 2.75 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.73 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.72 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.65 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 2.6 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution


## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.55 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 5.58 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.25 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.03 |
| Dependability | work_style | 3 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 2.5 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 2.47 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 2.34 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 2.07 |
| Integrity | work_style | 1.89 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 1.86 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 1.66 |
| Cooperation | work_style | 1.63 |
| Protective Service | specific_interest_area | 1.51 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.46 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53-4011.00 | role-53-4011-00 | Locomotive Engineers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4013.00 | role-53-4013-00 | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4031.00 | role-53-4031-00 | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Primary-Short |
| 49-3031.00 | role-49-3031-00 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | Primary-Short |
| 53-7041.00 | role-53-7041-00 | Hoist and Winch Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-9097.00 | role-49-9097-00 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | Primary-Long |
| 49-3043.00 | role-49-3043-00 | Rail Car Repairers | Primary-Long |
| 53-4041.00 | role-53-4041-00 | Subway and Streetcar Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-7121.00 | role-53-7121-00 | Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | Primary-Long |
| 53-7051.00 | role-53-7051-00 | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | Primary-Long |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Supplemental |
| 53-3032.00 | role-53-3032-00 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 65480
- **Mean Wage:** 63170
- **Pct10Wage:** 43750
- **Pct25Wage:** 51730
- **Pct75Wage:** 70130
- **Pct90Wage:** 80840
- **Employment:** 12460
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 11640 | 65370 | 19.49 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 50 | 50530 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 11640 | 19.49 |
- **Count:** 2

## Ai Signals


## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 17
- **Percentile:** 14
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 28 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 6 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 2

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.24999999999999997 | 28 | Low | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.03200302020953639 | 6 | Low | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.08333333333333333
- **Beta:** 0.16666666666666666
- **Gamma:** 0.24999999999999997

### Usage Tasks


### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 1
- **Growth Percentile:** 31
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 1
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 15
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 11
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 11.1

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 26
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 8
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** e6e5cc25ea95c478