Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary — US State Breakdown (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · Last updated: 2026-09-02
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 53-4022As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
US Salary Overview
The national median wage for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in the United States is $68,840 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 12,000 people are employed in this occupation nationally. UK data is not available for this occupation — the UK's SOC 2020 classification has no direct equivalent. Signing an offer? Employment contract templates at LawDepot cover offer letters, NDAs and employment agreements.
US Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,660 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $57,820 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $68,840 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $76,590 | Experienced |
| 90th | $86,590 | Senior / highest decile |
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| State | Median salary | Mean salary | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $85,140 | $81,560 | 740 |
| New York | $83,530 | $84,240 | 220 |
| Iowa | $80,910 | $74,180 | 220 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | $73,400 | 100 |
| Illinois | $76,290 | $74,110 | 1,000 |
| Colorado | $76,140 | $81,040 | — |
| Georgia | $75,540 | $79,450 | 250 |
| New Jersey | $74,160 | $70,530 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $72,340 | $68,780 | 100 |
| Texas | $71,580 | $61,300 | 2,000 |
| Ohio | $67,770 | $61,930 | 280 |
| Missouri | $67,110 | $66,640 | 730 |
| Kansas | $66,990 | $66,080 | 390 |
| Michigan | $66,970 | $69,830 | 190 |
| Indiana | $64,530 | $68,940 | 160 |
| California | $58,770 | $61,530 | 1,000 |
| Florida | $58,250 | $57,380 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $58,440 | 170 |
| Alabama | $56,050 | $61,350 | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $55,360 | 350 |
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $57,300 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $53,810 | 210 |
| West Virginia | $46,900 | $54,280 | 120 |
| Wyoming | $45,490 | $50,690 | 400 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in the US?
The US national median wage for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $68,840 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
What is the pay range for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in the US?
Pay ranges from $45,660 at the 10th percentile to $86,590 at the 90th percentile. This difference typically reflects experience level, employer size, and location.
Which US states pay railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers the most?
The highest-paying states for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers include Washington ($85,140), New York ($83,530), Iowa ($80,910). Pay varies by state due to cost of living, local demand and industry concentration.
How much does railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers salary vary by state?
The gap between the highest- and lowest-paying states is significant — Washington ($85,140) pays roughly 87% more than Wyoming ($45,490). Check the state breakdown above for the exact figure in your location.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-09-02