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
Commercial Pilots earns $44,163 more (68.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$109,061
$64,898
Average (Mean) Salary
$125,831
$64,441
Total Employment
50,950
9,900
States with Higher Pay
23
0
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 23 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 0.
| State | Commercial Pilots | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $106,240 | $48,940 | +$57,300 | ||
| Arizona | $95,630 | $67,030 | +$28,600 | ||
| California | $107,370 | $59,820 | +$47,550 | ||
| Colorado | $107,490 | $66,610 | +$40,880 | ||
| Florida | $128,600 | $63,260 | +$65,340 | ||
| Indiana | $95,710 | $52,990 | +$42,720 | ||
| Louisiana | $127,180 | $59,560 | +$67,620 | ||
| Maryland | $126,600 | $66,510 | +$60,090 | ||
| Massachusetts | $83,870 | $82,490 | +$1,380 | ||
| Michigan | $110,290 | $48,320 | +$61,970 | ||
| Mississippi | $107,080 | $73,420 | +$33,660 | ||
| Missouri | $128,640 | $62,770 | +$65,870 | ||
| Montana | $92,430 | $78,230 | +$14,200 | ||
| Nebraska | $104,170 | $67,540 | +$36,630 | ||
| New York | $162,450 | $78,770 | +$83,680 | ||
| North Carolina | $108,680 | $79,050 | +$29,630 | ||
| Ohio | $98,800 | $63,780 | +$35,020 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $110,490 | $63,880 | +$46,610 | ||
| South Carolina | $105,450 | $52,030 | +$53,420 | ||
| Texas | $168,240 | $66,950 | +$101,290 | ||
| Washington | $91,860 | $66,100 | +$25,760 | ||
| West Virginia | $102,700 | $62,320 | +$40,380 | ||
| Wisconsin | $104,240 | $62,480 | +$41,760 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Commercial Pilots or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Commercial Pilots earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $44,163 (68.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
What is the median salary for a Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Commercial Pilots is $109,061 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: Commercial Pilots or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 50,950 Commercial Pilots positions and 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Commercial Pilots or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Commercial Pilots 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.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.