Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn a median $68,840 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$6,315
- Social Security (6.2%)$4,268
- Medicare (1.45%)$998
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$57,259
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $45,660 | $21.95 | $38,868 |
| 25th percentile | $57,820 | $27.80 | $48,638 |
| Median (50th) | $68,840 | $33.10 | $57,259 |
| 75th percentile | $76,590 | $36.82 | $62,711 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $86,590 | $41.63 | $69,746 |
Best cities for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chicago, IL | $72,180 | $56,181 | $54,231 | 560 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- Chicago, IL — $72,180
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary by state
| State | Median | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $85,140 | $68,726 | $62,360 – $85,140 | 740 |
| New York | $83,530 | $63,680 | $47,570 – $137,890 | 220 |
| Iowa | $80,910 | $63,327 | $50,660 – $82,240 | 220 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | $61,136 | $49,920 – $104,260 | 100 |
| Illinois | $76,290 | $58,868 | $48,410 – $99,430 | 1,210 |
| Colorado | $76,140 | $59,753 | $48,150 – $97,940 | — |
| Georgia | $75,540 | $58,675 | $52,940 – $109,270 | 250 |
| New Jersey | $74,160 | $58,452 | $52,850 – $81,440 | 70 |
| New Mexico | $72,340 | $57,487 | $50,070 – $76,590 | 100 |
| Texas | $71,580 | $59,187 | $39,570 – $71,860 | 1,650 |
| Ohio | $67,770 | $55,425 | $49,600 – $70,430 | 280 |
| Missouri | $67,110 | $53,825 | $67,050 – $67,290 | 730 |
| Kansas | $66,990 | $53,019 | $62,400 – $72,800 | 390 |
| Michigan | $66,970 | $53,348 | $40,890 – $117,650 | 190 |
| Indiana | $64,530 | $52,156 | $60,200 – $77,760 | 160 |
| California | $58,770 | $47,062 | $51,480 – $70,000 | 1,340 |
| Florida | $58,250 | $48,984 | $43,180 – $95,380 | 130 |
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $45,649 | $56,240 – $63,000 | 170 |
| Alabama | $56,050 | $44,679 | $44,050 – $104,250 | 240 |
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $45,047 | $33,950 – $73,530 | 350 |
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $44,542 | $36,780 – $87,560 | 110 |
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $44,536 | $39,840 – $63,250 | 210 |
| West Virginia | $46,900 | $38,481 | $40,010 – $79,020 | 120 |
| Wyoming | $45,490 | $38,731 | $40,090 – $70,070 | 400 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers make?
The national median salary for railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers is $68,840 a year ($33.10 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $45,660 and the top 10% earn over $86,590. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers the most?
Washington has the highest median pay at $85,140. After taxes and local prices, Chicago, IL offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers are there in the U.S.?
About 12,400 people work as railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers nationwide.