Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Iowa
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa make a median of $77,150 a year, or about $37.09 an hour. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $80K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $77K get you in Iowa?
About railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Iowa
Entry-level railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $77K.Top earners bring in $80K or more - a $30K spread from bottom to top.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $98K | +49% | 140 |
| New Jersey | $80K | +22% | 90 |
| Iowa | $77K | +18% | 330 |
| Nebraska | $70K | +8% | 350 |
| Texas | $70K | +7% | 2,050 |
| Maryland | $67K | +2% | 90 |
| Missouri | $65K | +0% | 540 |
| Kansas | $65K | -0% | 460 |
| New Mexico | $65K | -0% | 140 |
| Wisconsin | $65K | -1% | 90 |
| Florida | $64K | -2% | 170 |
| West Virginia | $62K | -5% | 110 |
| Indiana | $62K | -6% | N/A |
| Washington | $61K | -7% | 390 |
| Illinois | $60K | -8% | 1,410 |
Track railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Iowa numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make in Iowa?
The median is $77,150 a year - that works out to about $37.09 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,370, and experienced railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers can clear $80,030. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $77K enough to live in Iowa?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,891/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $1,143/month (median of metro areas), which eats 23.4% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers salary go in Iowa?
Iowa has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers salary is worth about $77,150 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers 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.