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
Commercial Pilots earns $56,138 more (84.5%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$122,580
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$136,493
$66,339
Total Employment
47,010
9,380
States with Higher Pay
24
0
Salary by State: Commercial Pilots vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Commercial Pilots pays more in 24 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 | $101,420 | $56,050 | +$45,370 | ||
| California | $165,590 | $58,770 | +$106,820 | ||
| Colorado | $139,680 | $76,140 | +$63,540 | ||
| Florida | $121,890 | $58,250 | +$63,640 | ||
| Georgia | $145,100 | $75,540 | +$69,560 | ||
| Illinois | $126,100 | $76,290 | +$49,810 | ||
| Indiana | $104,160 | $64,530 | +$39,630 | ||
| Iowa | $101,800 | $80,910 | +$20,890 | ||
| Kansas | $105,440 | $66,990 | +$38,450 | ||
| Kentucky | $129,990 | $56,410 | +$73,580 | ||
| Louisiana | $95,940 | $54,260 | +$41,680 | ||
| Maryland | $131,210 | $79,180 | +$52,030 | ||
| Michigan | $126,670 | $66,970 | +$59,700 | ||
| Missouri | $102,990 | $67,110 | +$35,880 | ||
| New Jersey | $226,710 | $74,160 | +$152,550 | ||
| New Mexico | $97,920 | $72,340 | +$25,580 | ||
| New York | $177,430 | $83,530 | +$93,900 | ||
| North Carolina | $127,310 | $54,810 | +$72,500 | ||
| Ohio | $150,330 | $67,770 | +$82,560 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $134,030 | $55,470 | +$78,560 | ||
| Texas | $137,960 | $71,580 | +$66,380 | ||
| Washington | $117,730 | $85,140 | +$32,590 | ||
| West Virginia | $105,950 | $46,900 | +$59,050 | ||
| Wyoming | $102,990 | $45,490 | +$57,500 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Commercial Pilots 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: 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 $56,138 (84.5%) based on 2025 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 $122,580 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: Commercial Pilots or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Commercial Pilots. BLS reports approximately 47,010 Commercial Pilots positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
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 My Resume Get Certified & Earn More Find Remote & Flexible Jobs Learn a New LanguageCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.