Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary
- 10th pct
- $45,660
- Middle 50%
- $57,820–$76,590
- 90th pct
- $86,590
The BLS estimates 12,400 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers jobs in the U.S. with a median base pay of $68,840 ($33.10 an hour) (May 2025, SOC 53-4022). Across 2 metros with published figures, medians range from $47,750 in Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX to $72,180 in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN.
- SOURCEBLS OEWS, May 2025
- SAMPLE12,400 jobs (estimate)
- SCOPEall U.S. employers, all experience levels
- PERIODMay 2025 estimates
Full percentile breakdown
BLS · United States
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Where Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn the most
2 metros · BLS
Highest-paying metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $72,180 | 560 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $47,750 | 270 |
Largest metros
| Metro | Median | Jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $72,180 | 560 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $47,750 | 270 |
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Questions
What is the median Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in the U.S.?
$68,840 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle half earn $57,820–$76,590.
How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make an hour?
The BLS U.S. median is $33.10 an hour (May 2025). The middle half earn $27.80–$36.82 an hour, and the 90th percentile is $41.63. These are straight-time wages, before overtime and shift differentials.
Where do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn the most?
Highest metro medians: Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($72,180), Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX ($47,750). Cost of living differs, so compare offers locally.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025 (metro, state and national estimates). Employer filing counts: U.S. DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data FY2026 Q3, visa-sponsored positions only.