Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Hourly Pay
Median hourly wage: $33.10
Hourly Wage Percentiles
| Percentile | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|
| 10th | $21.95 |
| 25th | $27.80 |
| Median | $33.10 |
| 75th | $36.82 |
| 90th | $41.63 |
Data source: BLS OES national file · U.S. BLS OES, May 2024 (updated April 2025)
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $33.10; the mean hourly wage is $33.19.
What is the entry-level hourly pay for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn about $21.95 per hour — a common proxy for entry-level pay.
What is the top hourly pay for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers?
Workers at the 90th percentile earn about $41.63 per hour.