National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$66,441
Average (Mean)
$66,339
Employed Nationwide
9,380
Air Traffic Controllers earns $67,004 more (100.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$133,445
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$132,408
$66,339
Total Employment
20,850
9,380
States with Higher Pay
22
0
Salary by State: Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 22 states where both occupations have BLS data. Air Traffic Controllers pays more in 22 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 | $114,960 | $56,050 | +$58,910 | ||
| California | $160,080 | $58,770 | +$101,310 | ||
| Colorado | $177,380 | $76,140 | +$101,240 | ||
| Florida | $147,530 | $58,250 | +$89,280 | ||
| Georgia | $178,420 | $75,540 | +$102,880 | ||
| Illinois | $181,560 | $76,290 | +$105,270 | ||
| Indiana | $158,810 | $64,530 | +$94,280 | ||
| Iowa | $90,790 | $80,910 | +$9,880 | ||
| Kansas | $159,700 | $66,990 | +$92,710 | ||
| Kentucky | $127,800 | $56,410 | +$71,390 | ||
| Louisiana | $99,810 | $54,260 | +$45,550 | ||
| Maryland | $131,290 | $79,180 | +$52,110 | ||
| Michigan | $118,930 | $66,970 | +$51,960 | ||
| Missouri | $122,200 | $67,110 | +$55,090 | ||
| New Jersey | $132,230 | $74,160 | +$58,070 | ||
| New Mexico | $148,550 | $72,340 | +$76,210 | ||
| New York | $144,960 | $83,530 | +$61,430 | ||
| North Carolina | $129,230 | $54,810 | +$74,420 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $132,350 | $55,470 | +$76,880 | ||
| Texas | $170,080 | $71,580 | +$98,500 | ||
| Washington | $162,570 | $85,140 | +$77,430 | ||
| Wyoming | $93,580 | $45,490 | +$48,090 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Air Traffic Controllers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $67,004 (100.8%) based on 2025 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 $133,445 per year, compared to $66,441 for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers, according to 2025 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 20,850 Air Traffic Controllers positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
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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