Post Job

What is a switchman and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read

A Switchman also referred to as a pointsman, is a traditional role found by the sides of rails and train stations, responsible for operating railway switches and various railway points. This position also involves moving empty cars and helping maintain and inspect rail cars and trains, and examining air brakes, too, for any possible damage or rot. They also assist with railway transportation by operating locomotives or promoting safety policies and programs.

A Switchman must be able to maintain and repair certain tools and machinery and must create and update important documents and schedules. A person seeking to begin work as a Switchman generally needs to have a high school diploma or a GED and work experience in an industrial setting. They also must stick to certain company guidelines and federal or state laws and regulations and are often provided training on the job. On average, a Switchman earns $20.88 an hour.

ScoreSwitchmanUS Average
Salary
4.5

Avg. Salary $57,143

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability Level
8.5

Growth Rate 4%

Growth Rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.90%

Asian 2.02%

Black or African American 11.03%

Hispanic or Latino 10.87%

Unknown 4.81%

White 70.37%

Gender

female 4.57%

male 95.43%

Age - 46
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 - 46
Stress Level
8.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity Level
4.5

Complexity Level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work Life Balance
2.7

Work Life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Newest jobs for Switchman in Ashburn, VA

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Switchman career paths

Key steps to become a switchman

  1. Explore switchman education requirements

    Most common switchman degrees

    High School Diploma

    47.2 %

    Bachelor's

    22.0 %

    Associate

    17.1 %
  2. Start to develop specific switchman skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Switches27.42%
    Ladders19.33%
    Rail Cars12.19%
    Air Hoses10.90%
    Locomotives6.57%
  3. Complete relevant switchman training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New switchmen 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 switchman based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real switchman resumes.
  4. Research switchman duties and responsibilities

    • Manage daily inspections and audits of locomotives.
    • Complete safety training and follow all FRA safety regulations on a daily basis.
    • Operate track switches, couple cars, and work on freight trains in yard operations and on the road.
    • Qualify in GCOR, HAZMAT, OSHA, EPA and ODOT regulations.
  5. Prepare your switchman resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your switchman 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 switchman resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Switchman Resume templates

    Build a professional Switchman 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 Switchman resume.
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
    Switchman Resume
  6. Apply for switchman jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a switchman 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 Switchman Job

Zippi

Are you a Switchman?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average switchman salary

The average Switchman salary in the United States is $57,143 per year or $27 per hour. Switchman salaries range between $39,000 and $81,000 per year.

Average Switchman Salary
$57,143 Yearly
$27.47 hourly

What Am I Worth?

salary-calculator

How do switchmen rate their job?

Working as a Switchman? Share your experience anonymously.
Overall Rating*
Career Growth
Work/Life balance
Pay/Salary

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.

Browse transportation jobs