How to hire a switchman

How to hire a switchman, step by step

Here's a step-by-step switchman hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a switchman job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new switchman
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The switchman hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a switchman to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a switchman that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of switchmen and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Switchman	Description	Hourly rate
   Switchman	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.	$18-38
   Conductor	Conductors are generally responsible for interpreting the composition to reflect the set demonstration in that composition, setting the rhythm, making sure of the precise entries, and creating the proper phrasing. They communicate with their musicians fundamentally through hand gestures with the use of a baton and may use other signals like eye contact... Show more	$19-39

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Switches
   • Ladders
   • Rail Cars
   • Air Hoses
   • Locomotives
   • Electrical Connections
   • Hand Signals
   • FRA
   • Rail Yard
   • Federal Safety Rules
   • Safety Procedures
   • Track List
   • Train Cars
   • Tank Cars

   Check all skills

   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.
   • Train & supervise various employees to be safe and knowledgeable conductors.
   • Process and evaluate train documents to assure compliance with FRA and company guidelines.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your switchman job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A switchman can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, switchmen' average salary in colorado is 32% less than in alaska.
   • Seniority. Entry-level switchmen 52% less than senior-level switchmen.
   • Certifications. A switchman with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a switchman's salary.

   Average switchman salary

   $57,143yearly

   $27.47 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level switchman salary

   $39,000 yearly salary

   Updated January 31, 2026

4. Writing a switchman job description

   A switchman job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a switchman job description:

   Switchman job description example

   The person in this position receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from a customer or customer service representative or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train.
   RESPONSIBILITIES:
   
   · Conduct the movement of railcars and trains
   
   · Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
   
   · Operate track switches (visually check switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
   
   · Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material
   
   · Prepare required daily reports and switch lists, manually or with a computer
   
   · Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary
   
   · Couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains
   
   · Assist with other projects and perform other duties as assigned
   
   REQUIRED SKILLS AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
   
   · Two years of work experience ; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
   
   · Ability to work in a 24/7 work environment in outdoor working conditions
   
   REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR CREDENTIALS:
   
   · High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
   
   · Experience with heavy hand tools, and previous work in an outside environment a plus
   
   · Valid driver's license
   
   This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.
   
   Genesee & Wyoming Inc. and its subsidiary companies do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or any other protected status under federal, state or local laws.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find switchmen for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any switchmen they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level switchmen with the right educational background.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your switchman job on Zippia to find and recruit switchman candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   Your first interview with switchman candidates should focus on their interest in the role and background experience. As the hiring process goes on, you can learn more about how they'd fit into the company culture in later rounds of interviews.

   Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new switchman

   Once you've decided on a perfect switchman candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

   It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

   To prepare for the new switchman first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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