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What is a signal helper and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a signal helper. For example, did you know that they make an average of $17.62 an hour? That's $36,643 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 4% and produce 69,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSignal HelperUS Average
Salary
2.9

Avg. Salary $36,643

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
6.4

Growth rate 4%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
7.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.37%

Asian 2.14%

Black or African American 7.35%

Hispanic or Latino 34.91%

Unknown 3.93%

White 50.31%

Gender

female 8.33%

male 91.67%

Age - 38
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 38
Stress level
6.4

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
4.1

Complexity level is basic

7 - challenging

Work life balance
5.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a signal helper

  1. Explore signal helper education requirements

    Most common signal helper degrees

    High School Diploma

    38.5 %

    Bachelor's

    30.8 %

    Associate

    15.4 %
  2. Start to develop specific signal helper skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Signal Equipment52.34%
    Routine Maintenance29.39%
    Warning Devices9.21%
    Rail Ties4.55%
    Loaders4.52%
  3. Complete relevant signal helper training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New signal helpers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a signal helper based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real signal helper resumes.
  4. Research signal helper duties and responsibilities

    • Ensure strict compliance with all safety requirements including OSHA mandates and wear appropriate personal protective equipment according to work requirements.
    • Learned all types of welding stick, tig, mig hardwire and flux core pipe and structural.
  5. Prepare your signal helper resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your signal helper resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a signal helper resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable signal helper resume templates

    Build a professional signal helper resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your signal helper resume.
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
    Signal Helper Resume
  6. Apply for signal helper jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a signal helper job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first signal helper job

Zippi

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Average signal helper salary

The average signal helper salary in the United States is $36,643 per year or $18 per hour. Signal helper salaries range between $27,000 and $49,000 per year.

Average signal helper salary
$36,643 Yearly
$17.62 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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