Post job

Switchman vs combined rail operator

The differences between switchmen and combined rail operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switchman has an average salary of $57,143, which is higher than the $37,651 average annual salary of a combined rail operator.

The top three skills for a switchman include switches, ladders and rail cars. The most important skills for a combined rail operator are customer service, train operations, and switches.

Switchman vs combined rail operator overview

SwitchmanCombined Rail Operator
Yearly salary$57,143$37,651
Hourly rate$27.47$18.10
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs51829,768
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Average age4545
Years of experience--

Switchman vs combined rail operator salary

Switchmen and combined rail operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

SwitchmanCombined Rail Operator
Average salary$57,143$37,651
Salary rangeBetween $39,000 And $81,000Between $25,000 And $55,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between switchman and combined rail operator education

There are a few differences between a switchman and a combined rail operator in terms of educational background:

SwitchmanCombined Rail Operator
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 47%Bachelor's Degree, 37%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Switchman vs combined rail operator demographics

Here are the differences between switchmen' and combined rail operators' demographics:

SwitchmanCombined Rail Operator
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 95.4% Female, 4.6%Male, 73.1% Female, 26.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 2.0% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.1% Asian, 2.0% White, 72.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between switchman and combined rail operator duties and responsibilities

Switchman example 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.
  • Show more

Combined rail operator example responsibilities.

  • Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
  • Monitor rail station CCTV equipment.

Switchman vs combined rail operator skills

Common switchman skills
  • Switches, 27%
  • Ladders, 19%
  • Rail Cars, 12%
  • Air Hoses, 11%
  • Locomotives, 7%
  • Electrical Connections, 5%
Common combined rail operator skills
  • Customer Service, 26%
  • Train Operations, 26%
  • Switches, 14%
  • Troubleshoot, 13%
  • Mechanical Problems, 9%
  • Transport Passengers, 7%

Browse transportation jobs