SOC 534022
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
National Median
$65,480
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$65,480
Entry Level (10th pct)
$43,750
Experienced (90th pct)
$80,840
Total Employed
12,460
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $43,750 - $51,730 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $51,730 - $70,130 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $70,130 - $80,840 |
Highest Paying Locations for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 31 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $108,350 | 70 | |
| Massachusetts | $97,690 | 140 | |
| New Jersey | $79,990 | 90 | |
| Iowa | $77,150 | 330 | |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | $76,860 | 50 | |
| Nebraska | $70,450 | 350 | |
| Texas | $69,840 | 2,050 | |
| Colorado | $69,040 | 250 | |
| Maryland | $66,680 | 90 | |
| Missouri | $65,480 | 540 | |
| Kansas | $65,370 | 460 | |
| New Mexico | $65,240 | 140 | |
| Wisconsin | $65,150 | 90 | |
| Florida | $64,290 | 170 | |
| West Virginia | $62,480 | 110 | |
| Indiana | $61,650 | N/A | |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | $61,360 | 40 | |
| Washington | $61,210 | 390 | |
| Illinois | $60,130 | 1,410 | |
| Mississippi | $59,690 | 50 | |
| California | $57,720 | 1,200 | |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $57,390 | 600 | |
| Kentucky | $56,090 | 260 | |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $54,230 | 270 | |
| Western Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $52,390 | N/A | |
| Pennsylvania | $51,990 | 360 | |
| Alabama | $48,460 | 300 | |
| Wyoming | $48,420 | 350 | |
| Ohio | $48,410 | 140 | |
| Eastern Wyoming nonmetropolitan area | $46,030 | 70 | |
| North Carolina | $36,290 | 50 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $65,480, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss is New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, with a median salary of $108,350.
How much can an experienced Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make?
Top-earning Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss (90th percentile) make $80,840 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.