Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in U.S.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in U.S. make a median of $65,480 a year, or about $31.48 an hour. The range runs from $44K at the entry level to $81K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $65K get you in U.S.?
About railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers (10th percentile) start around $44K. Mid-career wages sit at $65K.Top earners bring in $81K or more - a $37K 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
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Frequently asked questions
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make in U.S.?
The median is $65,480 a year - that works out to about $31.48 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $43,750, and experienced railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers can clear $80,840. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $65K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,538/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 31.1% 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 railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. 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 $65,480 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.