Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $78,280 a year, or about $37.64 an hour. The range runs from $57K at the entry level to $98K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $71,896 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 43.9% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $78K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators (10th percentile) start around $57K. Mid-career wages sit at $78K.Top earners bring in $98K or more - a $40K spread from bottom to top.
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $90K | +34% | 290 |
| Delaware | $86K | +28% | 90 |
| New York | $85K | +26% | 3,330 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +23% | 390 |
| Indiana | $79K | +18% | 510 |
| Iowa | $79K | +18% | 190 |
| Illinois | $77K | +14% | 960 |
| Arizona | $76K | +12% | 180 |
| New Mexico | $74K | +11% | 90 |
| Wisconsin | $71K | +5% | 110 |
| Kansas | $70K | +4% | 280 |
| Wyoming | $70K | +3% | 180 |
| Missouri | $70K | +3% | 120 |
| California | $69K | +3% | 560 |
| Arkansas | $69K | +2% | 80 |
Track rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
How much do rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $78,280 a year - that works out to about $37.64 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $57,490, and experienced rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators can clear $97,970. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $78K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,970/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 45.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators salary is worth about $71,896 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do rail-track laying and maintenance equipment operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.