Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay in California
In California, the median pay for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $28.25 an hour ($58,770 a year). About 1,340 people work in this job there.
That is 15% lower than the U.S. median ($68,840). California ranks 16th of 24 states and territories for this job’s median pay.
Pay range for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in California
| Earns more than | Hourly | Yearly |
|---|---|---|
| 10% of workers | $24.75 | $51,480 |
| 25% of workers | $28.20 | $58,650 |
| Half of workers (median) | $28.25 | $58,770 |
| 75% of workers | $33.66 | $70,000 |
| 90% of workers | $33.66 | $70,000 |
California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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 California
| Job | Median yearly pay |
|---|---|
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $47,770 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | $73,950 |
| Locomotive Engineers | $77,070 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | $69,950 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operators | $78,680 |
| Rail Car Repairers | $68,370 |
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.