Railway brake, signal and switch operators
Railway brakers, signallers and shunters take charge of and safeguard railway freight trains during runs, control the movement of railway traffic by operating signals, switch rolling stock and make up trains in railway yards, make up trains for hauling in mines and control their movement.
Skill level: Semi-skilledCheck your pay
- Salary range for the majority of workers in Railway brake, signal and switch operators - from R7 556 to R35 224 per month - 2026.
- A Railway brake, signal and switch operators typically earns between R7 556 and R12 433 net per month at the start of the job.
- After 5 years of service, this is between R8 264 and R14 287 per month for a working week of 45 hours.
Salary Check
Duties and tasks
- Taking charge of and safeguarding freight train during runs
- Controlling the flow of railway traffic over sections of line by operating signals and switches from control panels or signal boxes
- Switching and coupling rolling stock in railway yards and sidings in accordance with orders about loading, unloading and make-up of trains
- Making up trains for hauling by locomotive or cable and directing their movement along haulage ways in a mine or quarry
- Checking train systems and equipment such as air-conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run
