Railway signaller | Average UK Salary & Outlook

Railway signallers operate the signals and points on rail tracks to keep trains running safely and on time.

Typical task
Working hours
Attractive values

Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Monitor

Observe train signals along routes and verify their meanings for engineers.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Monitor trains as they go around curves to detect dragging equipment and smoking journal boxes.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Observe tracks from left sides of locomotives to detect obstructions on tracks.
Operate locomotives in emergency situations.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Inspect locomotives to detect damaged or worn parts.
Signal other workers to set brakes and to throw track switches when switching cars from trains to way stations.
Check to see that trains are equipped with supplies such as fuel, water, and sand.
Monitor oil, temperature, and pressure gauges on dashboards to determine if engines are operating safely and efficiently.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Start diesel engines to warm engines before runs.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Conduct brake tests to determine the condition of brakes on trains.

Average salary
36,008 GBP *
per year

Average salary for Railway signaller

36,140 GBP

Average salary for full-time Railway signaller

Showing:

36,008 GBP
36,140 GBP

Salary over time for Railway signaller

Pay for this role has decreased slightly over time

36,203 GBP
35,029 GBP
32,322 GBP
28,063 GBP
32,098 GBP
34,320 GBP
36,008 GBP
36,536 GBP
28,931 GBP

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Future outlook for Railway signallers

Balanced outlook

6 000+ jobs available

Fair outlook

-3% yearly wage growth (on average)

Balanced outlook

57% chance of automation in the future

Which qualifications do I need?

Find out what you need to know in order to become a Railway signaller and the highest average level of education for people in this role.

In terms of people already doing this job:

% of people in this role have GCSEs or equivalent
% of people in this role do not have GCSEs or equivalent qualifications
% of people in this role have a post-secondary qualification such as a Higher National Diploma

You'll need:

to be thorough and pay attention to detail
knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
the ability to work well with others
to be flexible and open to change
physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
knowledge of public safety and security
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Get the right qualification to begin your journey to becoming a Railway signaller

Transport & Vehicles

Dependability Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. Attention to Detail Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. Self Control Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. Stress Tolerance Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. Cooperation Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.

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Railway signaller | Average UK Salary & Outlook

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Future outlook for Railway signallers

Railway signaller - Your future job?

Which qualifications do I need?

Things to highlight for your Railway signaller interview

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