Post job

Railroad signal technician vs rail signal mechanic

The differences between railroad signal technicians and rail signal mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a railroad signal technician and a rail signal mechanic. Additionally, a rail signal mechanic has an average salary of $67,797, which is higher than the $50,367 average annual salary of a railroad signal technician.

The top three skills for a railroad signal technician include FRA, CDL and DOT. The most important skills for a rail signal mechanic are mechanical systems, test equipment, and VAC.

Railroad signal technician vs rail signal mechanic overview

Railroad Signal TechnicianRail Signal Mechanic
Yearly salary$50,367$67,797
Hourly rate$24.21$32.59
Growth rate10%5%
Number of jobs6,35934,440
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 44%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Railroad signal technician vs rail signal mechanic salary

Railroad signal technicians and rail signal mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Railroad Signal TechnicianRail Signal Mechanic
Average salary$50,367$67,797
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $98,000Between $45,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between railroad signal technician and rail signal mechanic education

There are a few differences between a railroad signal technician and a rail signal mechanic in terms of educational background:

Railroad Signal TechnicianRail Signal Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 44%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical/Electronics Maintenance And Repair Technology
Most common collegeDunwoody College of TechnologyUniversity of Pennsylvania

Railroad signal technician vs rail signal mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between railroad signal technicians' and rail signal mechanics' demographics:

Railroad Signal TechnicianRail Signal Mechanic
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 100.0% Female, 0.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%Black or African American, 6.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 16.5% Asian, 2.4% White, 68.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between railroad signal technician and rail signal mechanic duties and responsibilities

Railroad signal technician example responsibilities.

  • Used UNIX base analysis systems to accomplish all tasks.
  • Maintain and repair circuit breakers on systems up to 35000 VAC and 1000VDC.
  • Perform collection, identification and signals analysis of all communications activity in support of critical DoD missions.
  • Monitor system for signal leakage using GPS technology, including the generation of all reports necessary to maintain FCC compliance.

Rail signal mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Supervise mechanics in the diagnosis and repair of technical difficulties, installation and in mechanical failures of military equipment.
  • Coordinate with inspection department to ensure compliance with internal and FAA inspection and documentation requirements.

Railroad signal technician vs rail signal mechanic skills

Common railroad signal technician skills
  • FRA, 70%
  • CDL, 16%
  • DOT, 13%
Common rail signal mechanic skills
  • Mechanical Systems, 32%
  • Test Equipment, 24%
  • VAC, 23%
  • Maintenance Inspections, 21%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs