Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay in the United States
In the U.S., the median pay for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $33.10 an hour ($68,840 a year). About 12,400 people work in this job there.
Pay range for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in the U.S.
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $21.95 | $45,660 |
| 25% of workers | $27.80 | $57,820 |
| Half of workers (median) | $33.10 | $68,840 |
| 75% of workers | $36.82 | $76,590 |
| 90% of workers | $41.63 | $86,590 |
Best-paying states for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
| State | Median yearly pay | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $85,140 | 740 |
| New York | $83,530 | 220 |
| Iowa | $80,910 | 220 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | 100 |
| Illinois | $76,290 | 1,210 |
| Colorado | $76,140 | 0 |
| Georgia | $75,540 | 250 |
| New Jersey | $74,160 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $72,340 | 100 |
| Texas | $71,580 | 1,650 |
Pay by state
- California · $58,770
- Illinois · $76,290
- Missouri · $67,110
- Texas · $71,580
- Washington · $85,140
Education, experience and outlook for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
- Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
- Related work experience most have: 1 to 2 years (O*NET)
- Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
- Job outlook: +0.8% over ten years, little or no change · about 900 openings a year (BLS)
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $46,420 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $61,770 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | $78,000 |
| Locomotive Engineers | $81,410 |
| Rail Car Repairers | $67,530 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,870 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operators | $86,380 |
| Signal and Track Switch Repairers | $92,460 |
Other job titles for this job
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Post a job freeFind jobsCheck pay for any jobSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.