National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
Air Traffic Controllers earns $58,824 more (90.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$123,722
$64,898
Average (Mean) Salary
$122,655
$64,441
Total Employment
21,630
9,900
States with Higher Pay
24
0
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 24 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 0.
| State | Air Traffic Controllers | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $108,100 | $48,940 | +$59,160 | ||
| Arizona | $122,780 | $67,030 | +$55,750 | ||
| California | $160,490 | $59,820 | +$100,670 | ||
| Colorado | $168,580 | $66,610 | +$101,970 | ||
| Florida | $137,240 | $63,260 | +$73,980 | ||
| Illinois | $171,810 | $68,940 | +$102,870 | ||
| Indiana | $150,780 | $52,990 | +$97,790 | ||
| Louisiana | $93,870 | $59,560 | +$34,310 | ||
| Maryland | $105,310 | $66,510 | +$38,800 | ||
| Massachusetts | $96,370 | $82,490 | +$13,880 | ||
| Michigan | $106,390 | $48,320 | +$58,070 | ||
| Mississippi | $87,730 | $73,420 | +$14,310 | ||
| Missouri | $109,660 | $62,770 | +$46,890 | ||
| Montana | $92,980 | $78,230 | +$14,750 | ||
| New Jersey | $122,620 | $76,800 | +$45,820 | ||
| New York | $135,590 | $78,770 | +$56,820 | ||
| Ohio | $151,170 | $63,780 | +$87,390 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $121,310 | $63,880 | +$57,430 | ||
| South Carolina | $101,670 | $52,030 | +$49,640 | ||
| Texas | $159,100 | $66,950 | +$92,150 | ||
| Washington | $155,210 | $66,100 | +$89,110 | ||
| West Virginia | $82,740 | $62,320 | +$20,420 | ||
| Wisconsin | $100,090 | $62,480 | +$37,610 | ||
| Wyoming | $80,100 | $48,770 | +$31,330 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Air Traffic Controllers earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $58,824 (90.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Air Traffic Controllers is $123,722 per year, compared to $64,898 for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Air Traffic Controllers. BLS reports approximately 21,630 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Air Traffic Controllers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Air Traffic Controllers and Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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