A signal operator works in the railroad industry, working on the signals used to communicate between trains and dispatchers. The job of a signal operator involves installation and maintenance work on the signaling systems, as well as operating them based on the rulesets of that particular railroad company. Signal operators usually receive their instructions from train dispatchers, and then adjust the signals accordingly in order to direct trains to their correct destinations, or make alterations to the schedule in an emergency situation.
The job of a signal operator doesn’t require a higher degree than a high school diploma, as most of the skills required for practicing it are learned in the course of employment. Most signal operators are able to progress to higher occupations within their respective companies after working there for a sufficient period, though the job does require a great degree of attentiveness from those who practice it in order to be successful and perform it correctly.
A signal operator doesn’t tend to earn very highly by most standards, with the most common salaries ranging between $20,000 – $32,000. According to most who practice the job, the workload tends to be incredible in some busier periods, while on the other hand there are times when the job involves little next to no work. Some state that they have a high level of satisfaction from the position, while others only use it as a stepping stone towards better-paid positions within the railroad industry.