Switch operator vs train brake operator

The differences between switch operators and train brake operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switch operator has an average salary of $47,066, which is higher than the $42,893 average annual salary of a train brake operator.

Switch operator vs train brake operator overview

	Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Yearly salary	$47,066	$42,893
Hourly rate	$22.63	$20.62
Growth rate	-2%	-2%
Number of jobs	25,666	31,625
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 100%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	-	-

Switch operator vs train brake operator salary

Switch operators and train brake operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Average salary	$47,066	$42,893
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $87,000	Between $30,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between switch operator and train brake operator education

There are a few differences between a switch operator and a train brake operator in terms of educational background:

	Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 34%	High School Diploma, 100%
Most common major	Business	-
Most common college	-	-

Switch operator vs train brake operator demographics

Here are the differences between switch operators' and train brake operators' demographics:

	Switch Operator	Train Brake Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 84.0% Female, 16.0%	Male, 85.7% Female, 14.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.3% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 19.8% Asian, 5.7% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	Black or African American, 17.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	21%	21%

Differences between switch operator and train brake operator duties and responsibilities

Switch operator example responsibilities.

Supervise a team of ten soldiers in the day-to-day operations of a commercial SL-100 Nortel telephone switch.
Provide gateway for both LAN and X.25 subscribers.
Insure technicians obtain proper training through NORTEL training courses.
Interpret computer printouts to troubleshoot, repair, and replace faulty line replaceable units.
Set up data networks/wires in buildings to have computers and VOIP phones link together.
Perform monthly evaluations and provide network training and orientation to new soldiers and DOD contractors.

Train brake operator example responsibilities.

Use automate systems and RF units to pull, put away and load customer product, in addition to managing inventory
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.
Perform specialized production line and quality control duties in a professional production environment specializing in plastic extrusion.

Switch operator vs train brake operator skills

Common switch operator skills

Switches, 15%
Encryption, 15%
Telecommunication, 14%
Hand Tools, 13%
Rail Cars, 9%
Secret Security Clearance, 5%

Common train brake operator skills

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Transportation Industry
Switch Operator
Switch Operator vs Train Brake Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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