What does a railway signaller do?
John Hall
Updated on March 09, 2026
What does a railway signaller do?
Railway signallers operate the signals and points on rail tracks to keep trains running safely and on time.
Is a railway signaller a good job?
Decent pay BUT… Varied work day, dealing with all sorts of operating incidents, generally using interesting equipment, often while fitting engineering work round a busy train service. A serious job where mistakes are generally unrecoverable – but in quiet spells you’ll get a chance to enjoy some banter.
How much do Signallers get paid UK?
The average slinger signaller salary in the United Kingdom is £31,200 per year or £16 per hour. Entry level positions start at £29,250 per year while most experienced workers make up to £39,000 per year.
What does a signaler do?
What is a signaller? A signaller operates signal equipment to control the running of trains, records the details of trains that pass and notifies the control centre in cases of delay or accident.
How do you become a signaller?
THE SKILLS AND QUALITIES REQUIRED TO BECOME A RAILWAY SIGNALLER
- Excellent awareness of safety (being safety conscious).
- Outstanding communication skills.
- Capable of concentrating for long periods of time.
- Able to work alone, often unsupervised.
- Willing to learn and retain large amounts of job-specific information.
Do signalmen still exist?
The U.S. Navy disestablished the rating of Signalman in late 2003, reassigning visual communications duties to the Quartermaster rating.
Is it hard to become a signaller?
There is a tough selection process to pass and the information contained within our downloadable guide is guaranteed to help you succeed. In total, Network Rail recruits approximately 500 new signallers every year – so make sure you are 100% prepared for the selection process if you want to succeed.
How much does a signalman make?
The national average salary for a Signalman is $73,561 in United States.
How do I become a railway signaller?
What is a Grade 9 signaller?
As a Grade 9 signaller you’ll join a team responsible for signalling the railway into London Victoria. As a Grade 9 Signaller, you’ll matter to millions. Brief Description. This role comes with a high level of responsibility.
Is it hard to be a train signaller?
You may be working alone or with a team of other signallers. You may spend a lot of time in front of computer screens. You would have to work shifts, including evenings, nights, public holidays and weekends. The work may be mentally exhausting.
How much do Signallers earn?
The average Slinger signaller salary is £34,210. This is 0.5% above the national average advertised salary of £34,037. Most Slinger signaller job ads are for Trade & Construction Jobs and Engineering Jobs.