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Railroad signal technician vs signal inspector

The differences between railroad signal technicians and signal inspectors 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 signal inspector. Additionally, a signal inspector has an average salary of $52,594, 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 signal inspector are signal systems, signal equipment, and AC.

Railroad signal technician vs signal inspector overview

Railroad Signal TechnicianSignal Inspector
Yearly salary$50,367$52,594
Hourly rate$24.21$25.29
Growth rate10%-
Number of jobs6,35917,606
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 44%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Railroad signal technician vs signal inspector salary

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

Railroad Signal TechnicianSignal Inspector
Average salary$50,367$52,594
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $98,000Between $26,000 And $105,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between railroad signal technician and signal inspector education

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

Railroad Signal TechnicianSignal Inspector
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%High School Diploma, 44%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical Engineering Technology
Most common collegeDunwoody College of TechnologyUniversity of Minnesota - Twin Cities

Railroad signal technician vs signal inspector demographics

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

Railroad Signal TechnicianSignal Inspector
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 94.4% Female, 5.6%Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%
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 signal inspector 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.

Signal inspector example responsibilities.

  • Lead, manage, and mentore the signal gang leadership team.
  • Schedule maintenance inspections according to FRA guidelines.
  • Field four MCS and three BCS3, coordinate with BCS3 FRS for training of 20 personnel during contingency mission operations.

Railroad signal technician vs signal inspector skills

Common railroad signal technician skills
  • FRA, 70%
  • CDL, 16%
  • DOT, 13%
Common signal inspector skills
  • Signal Systems, 51%
  • Signal Equipment, 40%
  • AC, 9%

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