Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in West Virginia
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia make a median of $62,480 a year, or about $30.04 an hour. The range runs from $40K at the entry level to $79K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $62K get you in West Virginia?
About railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, West Virginia
Entry-level railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers (10th percentile) start around $40K. Mid-career wages sit at $62K.Top earners bring in $79K or more - a $39K 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 West Virginia numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make in West Virginia?
The median is $62,480 a year - that works out to about $30.04 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $40,040, and experienced railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers can clear $79,350. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $62K enough to live in West Virginia?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,161/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $991/month (median of metro areas), which eats 23.8% 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 West Virginia?
West Virginia 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 $62,480 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.