Railroad brakers work on passenger and freight trains. They collect tickets and assist the conductor in deciding which cars should be added or removed. The braker may also assist the engineer at the front of the train. Most passenger trains have two brakers on board, although freight trains usually have only one, depending on the size of the train.
Before a run the braker checks the braking equipment and makes certain that items such as tools and flares are in place. Brakers check to make sure that all the couplers (the devices that connect train cars) are fastened. At stops and during the run, brakers regularly look for smoke, sparks, and other signs of sticking brakes, overheated axle bearings, and faulty equipment. Before and during the run, brakers pass on information to the conductor, who decides which cars should be repaired, added, or removed and instructs the engineer to do so.
Education and Training
Applicants must have excellent hearing and eyesight, and they cannot be colorblind. Applicants are given physical examinations before they are hired and at regular intervals after they are employed. Railroad companies usually prefer to hire people who have gone to high school.
New workers are trained by experienced brakers. New brakers make several trips under these workers before they are allowed to work on their own. They also must pass a written examination on railroad rules, regulations, and procedures.
New workers are placed on the "extra board" list at first. That is, they work when regular workers are sick or on vacation. They move into their own jobs as soon as there are openings. It often takes them several years to get their own assignments.
Getting the Job
You can apply directly to the hiring office at railroad companies. Job openings are sometimes listed by state or private employment agencies.
Employment Outlook
Brakers may advance to become conductors. Sometimes brakers move from one kind of job to another within the rail company from yard to passenger service, for example. Brakers must pass both written and oral tests to become c inductors, so it can take several years to advance.
Employment of brakers is expected to decline. The demand for railroad freight service will grow as the economy and the intermodal transportation of goods expand. However, employment will decline because of advances in automation technology, which allow brakers to make more runs per day. In addition, engineers now use computers to control the coupling, uncoupling, and moving of train car a job traditionally performed manually by brakers. As with freight trains, passenger trains will soon require only one braker rather than two. In addition, as computer technologies continue to develop, conductors will have more time to take on the responsibilities of brakers, such as selling tickets. Eventually, a train will require only an engineer and a conductor.
Working Conditions
Brakers usually work 40 hours a week and receive high pay for overtime. They often work nights, weekends, and holidays. Brakers assigned to extra board work have less steady work, more irregular hours, and lower earnings than brakers with regular assignments.
Earnings and Benefits
Wages for railroad brakers are usually determined by union contracts. Brakers are paid either by the hour or by the mile, whichever is higher in a given day's work. Extra pay is earned for runs that cover more than 100 miles on freight trains and more than 150 miles on passenger trains. The number of cars on the train also may affect pay. Currently brakers average $42,000 to $54,400 a year. Benefits include paid vacations, medical insurance, and pension plans.
