Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs. Stockers and Order Fillers: Who Earns More?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers out-earn Stockers and Order Fillers by $32K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers land at $68,840 and Stockers and Order Fillers at $37,330. The education gap is real: railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firer programs typically require no formal educational credential, while stockers and order filler programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is Washington ($85,140); for Stockers and Order Fillers it's Washington ($44,620).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Stockers and Order Fillers?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn more nationally. The median is $68,840 for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers versus $37,330 for Stockers and Order Fillers, a difference of $32K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Stockers and Order Fillers?
Stockers and Order Fillers has the better 10-year outlook at 8.5% projected growth, compared to 1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Stockers and Order Fillers?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers typically requires no formal educational credential. Stockers and Order Fillers requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers get paid the most?
Washington is the top-paying state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers at $85,140/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs. Stockers and Order Fillers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn $85,140 vs. $44,620 for Stockers and Order Fillers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.