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
Crane and Tower Operators earns $6,259 more (9.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$72,700
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,668
$66,339
Total Employment
41,870
9,380
States with Higher Pay
16
8
Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 16 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 8.
| State | Crane and Tower Operators | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60,790 | $56,050 | +$4,740 | ||
| California | $79,570 | $58,770 | +$20,800 | ||
| Colorado | $77,120 | $76,140 | +$980 | ||
| Florida | $71,560 | $58,250 | +$13,310 | ||
| Georgia | $62,050 | $75,540 | $-13,490 | ||
| Illinois | $61,820 | $76,290 | $-14,470 | ||
| Indiana | $52,950 | $64,530 | $-11,580 | ||
| Iowa | $67,600 | $80,910 | $-13,310 | ||
| Kansas | $77,100 | $66,990 | +$10,110 | ||
| Kentucky | $62,000 | $56,410 | +$5,590 | ||
| Louisiana | $61,170 | $54,260 | +$6,910 | ||
| Maryland | $87,950 | $79,180 | +$8,770 | ||
| Michigan | $59,740 | $66,970 | $-7,230 | ||
| Missouri | $58,450 | $67,110 | $-8,660 | ||
| New Jersey | $100,640 | $74,160 | +$26,480 | ||
| New Mexico | $62,400 | $72,340 | $-9,940 | ||
| New York | $85,850 | $83,530 | +$2,320 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,480 | $54,810 | +$9,670 | ||
| Ohio | $57,620 | $67,770 | $-10,150 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $65,190 | $55,470 | +$9,720 | ||
| Texas | $73,280 | $71,580 | +$1,700 | ||
| Washington | $101,110 | $85,140 | +$15,970 | ||
| West Virginia | $54,830 | $46,900 | +$7,930 | ||
| Wyoming | $77,970 | $45,490 | +$32,480 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Crane and Tower Operators 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: Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Crane and Tower Operators earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $6,259 (9.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Crane and Tower Operators earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Crane and Tower Operators earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 16 out of 24 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 8 states.
What is the median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators is $72,700 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: Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Crane and Tower Operators. BLS reports approximately 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Crane and Tower Operators 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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