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Signal inspector vs rail signal mechanic

The differences between signal inspectors 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 signal inspector and a rail signal mechanic. Additionally, a rail signal mechanic has an average salary of $67,797, which is higher than the $52,594 average annual salary of a signal inspector.

The top three skills for a signal inspector include signal systems, signal equipment and AC. The most important skills for a rail signal mechanic are mechanical systems, test equipment, and VAC.

Signal inspector vs rail signal mechanic overview

Signal InspectorRail Signal Mechanic
Yearly salary$52,594$67,797
Hourly rate$25.29$32.59
Growth rate-5%
Number of jobs17,60634,440
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%Associate Degree, 44%
Average age4343
Years of experience44

Signal inspector vs rail signal mechanic salary

Signal inspectors and rail signal mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Signal InspectorRail Signal Mechanic
Average salary$52,594$67,797
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $105,000Between $45,000 And $101,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between signal inspector and rail signal mechanic education

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

Signal InspectorRail Signal Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 44%Associate Degree, 44%
Most common majorElectrical Engineering TechnologyElectrical/Electronics Maintenance And Repair Technology
Most common collegeUniversity of Minnesota - Twin CitiesUniversity of Pennsylvania

Signal inspector vs rail signal mechanic demographics

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

Signal InspectorRail Signal Mechanic
Average age4343
Gender ratioMale, 96.0% Female, 4.0%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 signal inspector and rail signal mechanic duties and responsibilities

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.

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.

Signal inspector vs rail signal mechanic skills

Common signal inspector skills
  • Signal Systems, 51%
  • Signal Equipment, 40%
  • AC, 9%
Common rail signal mechanic skills
  • Mechanical Systems, 32%
  • Test Equipment, 24%
  • VAC, 23%
  • Maintenance Inspections, 21%

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