Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary by State
Also called: Railroad Brake and Switch Operators
The national median pay for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $68,840 a year. By state, it ranges from $45,490 in Wyoming to $85,140 in Washington.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $45,660
- 25th percentile
- $57,820
- Median
- $68,840
- 75th percentile
- $76,590
- Top 10%
- $86,590
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 12,400 jobs.
Median pay in 24 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $85,140 | +24% | $62,360 | $85,140 | 740 |
| 2 | New York | $83,530 | +21% | $47,570 | $137,890 | 220 |
| 3 | Iowa | $80,910 | +18% | $50,660 | $82,240 | 220 |
| 4 | Maryland | $79,180 | +15% | $49,920 | $104,260 | 100 |
| 5 | Illinois | $76,290 | +11% | $48,410 | $99,430 | 1,210 |
| 6 | Colorado | $76,140 | +11% | $48,150 | $97,940 | Not published |
| 7 | Georgia | $75,540 | +10% | $52,940 | $109,270 | 250 |
| 8 | New Jersey | $74,160 | +8% | $52,850 | $81,440 | 70 |
| 9 | New Mexico | $72,340 | +5% | $50,070 | $76,590 | 100 |
| 10 | Texas | $71,580 | +4% | $39,570 | $71,860 | 1,650 |
| 11 | Ohio | $67,770 | −2% | $49,600 | $70,430 | 280 |
| 12 | Missouri | $67,110 | −3% | $67,050 | $67,290 | 730 |
| 13 | Kansas | $66,990 | −3% | $62,400 | $72,800 | 390 |
| 14 | Michigan | $66,970 | −3% | $40,890 | $117,650 | 190 |
| 15 | Indiana | $64,530 | −6% | $60,200 | $77,760 | 160 |
| 16 | California | $58,770 | −15% | $51,480 | $70,000 | 1,340 |
| 17 | Florida | $58,250 | −15% | $43,180 | $95,380 | 130 |
| 18 | Kentucky | $56,410 | −18% | $56,240 | $63,000 | 170 |
| 19 | Alabama | $56,050 | −19% | $44,050 | $104,250 | 240 |
| 20 | Pennsylvania | $55,470 | −19% | $33,950 | $73,530 | 350 |
| 21 | North Carolina | $54,810 | −20% | $36,780 | $87,560 | 110 |
| 22 | Louisiana | $54,260 | −21% | $39,840 | $63,250 | 210 |
| 23 | West Virginia | $46,900 | −32% | $40,010 | $79,020 | 120 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $45,490 | −34% | $40,090 | $70,070 | 400 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary questions
Which state pays railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers the most?
Washington, with a median of $85,140 a year (+24% vs. the national median of $68,840). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers the least?
Wyoming, with a median of $45,490 a year (−34% vs. national).
Where do most railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers work?
Texas has the most jobs, about 1,650, with a median of $71,580.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.