SOC 2020 · 8234
Rail transport operatives
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £32,896 |
| 25th | £42,815 |
| 50th | £57,088 |
| 75th | £72,157 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £32,896 | £42,815 | £57,088 | £72,157 | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £63,796 | — | — |
| North East 2025 | — | — | £61,477 | — | — |
| North West 2025 | — | — | £53,103 | — | — |
| South East 2025 | — | — | £69,191 | — | — |
| West Midlands 2025 |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
Rail transport operatives assist drivers in the operation of passenger and goods trains, drive locomotive engines in coal mines, guide wagons and coaches in marshalling yards and sidings to make up trains, operate signals and points to control the movement of rail traffic, and monitor the operation of surface and underground railways.
Typical tasks
provides crews for breakdown trains, allocates relief and replacement crews as necessary, keeps crews informed of any line repairs or restrictions, and checks train running times for punctuality
examines schedules and decides priority of movement of trains, monitors movement of trains and issues instructions to drivers, signal operatives and level crossing keepers
operates signals and opens and closes barriers at level crossings as required
examines shunting instructions, uncouples wagons and coaches, guides movement of carriages using manual points and wagon breaks, links-up carriages, ensures security of couplings and reconnects brake and heating systems
assists drivers in the operation of diesel, diesel-electric, electric and steam locomotives
checks loading of tubs and carriages, and informs driver of load distribution and any special features of route
Entry routes and qualifications
There are no formal academic entry requirements. Candidates may be required to have good hearing, eyesight, and normal colour vision and pass a medical examination for entry to some posts. Training is initially undertaken in training centres, followed by practical experience on-the-job. NVQs/ SVQs in Rail Services are available at level 2 and 3.