Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers in the United States was $68,840 ($33.10 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $45,660 | $21.95 |
| 25th | $57,820 | $27.80 |
| Median | $68,840 | $33.10 |
| 75th | $76,590 | $36.82 |
| 90th | $86,590 | $41.63 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-4022
- Total U.S. employment: 12,400
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
The numbers in context
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $45,660, median pay is $68,840, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $86,590.
At $33.10 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $68,848 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $68,840.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,050 | $26.95 | -18.6% | 240 |
| California | $58,770 | $28.25 | -14.6% | 1,340 |
| Colorado | $76,140 | $36.60 | +10.6% | 0 |
| Florida | $58,250 | $28.00 | -15.4% | 130 |
| Georgia | $75,540 | $36.32 | +9.7% | 250 |
| Illinois | $76,290 | $36.68 | +10.8% | 1,210 |
| Indiana | $64,530 | $31.02 | -6.3% | 160 |
| Iowa | $80,910 | $38.90 | +17.5% | 220 |
| Kansas | $66,990 | $32.21 | -2.7% | 390 |
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $27.12 | -18.1% | 170 |
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $26.09 | -21.2% | 210 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | $38.07 | +15.0% | 100 |
| Michigan | $66,970 | $32.20 | -2.7% | 190 |
| Missouri | $67,110 | $32.26 | -2.5% | 730 |
| New Jersey | $74,160 | $35.65 | +7.7% | 70 |
| New Mexico | $72,340 | $34.78 | +5.1% | 100 |
| New York | $83,530 | $40.16 | +21.3% | 220 |
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $26.35 | -20.4% | 110 |
| Ohio | $67,770 | $32.58 | -1.6% | 280 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $26.67 | -19.4% | 350 |
| Texas | $71,580 | $34.41 | +4.0% | 1,650 |
| Washington | $85,140 | $40.93 | +23.7% | 740 |
| West Virginia | $46,900 | $22.55 | -31.9% | 120 |
| Wyoming | $45,490 | $21.87 | -33.9% | 400 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
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- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators — $46,420/yr
- Electricians — $63,190/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers?
The median annual wage for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $68,840 ($33.10 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 12,400 railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $33.10. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.