How do I become a railway shunter
Get qualified to work as a railway shunter with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Railway Shunter.
Common questions
In Australia, a full time Railway Shunter generally earns $1,095 per week ($56,940 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
Courses.com.au Team
This industry has experienced a drop in employment numbers over the last five years. There are currently 1,100 people working in this field in Australia and many of them specialise as a Railway Shunter. Railway Shunters may find work across all regions of Australia, particularly larger towns and cities.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
Courses.com.au Team
A Certificate II in Shunting is an ideal qualification if you’re planning a career as a Railway Shunter. This course will prepare you to work in rail operations in yards or sidings. You’ll cover a range of topics including using communication systems, applying fatigue management strategies, shunting rolling stock and applying safety procedures at remote and rural rail sites.
Courses.com.au Team
Further reading
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1st August 2022Railway Shunter careers
A Railway Shunter assists with the movement of trains in a railway yard. You might get trains ready for service by removing or attaching carriages or carrying out safety inspections. Railway Shunters might ensure trains are on correct platforms at the beginning of their route. You might work with passenger or freight trains, or work in a specialised industry such as mining.
Railway Shunters must have excellent observational skills and need to be able to work to correct procedures. It’s important you can work to a schedule and may have to manage several tasks at one time. Railway Shunters should have strong communication skills and be able to work well in a team environment.
