Flight Attendants vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
VS

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
Flight Attendants earns $2,721 more (4.2%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $67,619 $64,898
Average (Mean) Salary $69,123 $64,441
Total Employment 98,000 9,900
States with Higher Pay 7 7

Salary by State: Flight Attendants vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Showing 14 states where both occupations have BLS data. Flight Attendants pays more in 7 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 7.

State Flight Attendants Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Difference
Arizona $89,230
$67,030
+$22,200
California $79,130
$59,820
+$19,310
Colorado $50,120
$66,610
$-16,490
Florida $76,180
$63,260
+$12,920
Illinois $65,040
$68,940
$-3,900
Massachusetts $66,230
$82,490
$-16,260
Michigan $68,030
$48,320
+$19,710
New Jersey $48,750
$76,800
$-28,050
New York $69,010
$78,770
$-9,760
North Carolina $61,450
$79,050
$-17,600
Ohio $65,040
$63,780
+$1,260
Pennsylvania $75,010
$63,880
+$11,130
Texas $65,040
$66,950
$-1,910
Washington $98,710
$66,100
+$32,610

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Flight Attendants or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Flight Attendants earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $2,721 (4.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Flight Attendants earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Flight Attendants earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 7 out of 14 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 7 states.
What is the median salary for a Flight Attendants vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Flight Attendants is $67,619 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: Flight Attendants or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 98,000 Flight Attendants positions and 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Flight Attendants or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Flight Attendants 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.