National Salary Overview
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators
Median Salary
$71,928
Average (Mean)
$73,481
Employed Nationwide
2,780
VS
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$66,441
Average (Mean)
$66,339
Employed Nationwide
9,380
Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earns $5,486 more (8.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$71,928
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$73,481
$66,339
Total Employment
2,780
9,380
States with Higher Pay
9
3
Salary by State: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 12 states where both occupations have BLS data. Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators pays more in 9 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 3.
| State | Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $43,440 | $56,050 | $-12,610 | ||
| Colorado | $76,200 | $76,140 | +$60 | ||
| Indiana | $100,280 | $64,530 | +$35,750 | ||
| Kansas | $107,730 | $66,990 | +$40,740 | ||
| Louisiana | $79,970 | $54,260 | +$25,710 | ||
| Michigan | $78,240 | $66,970 | +$11,270 | ||
| New York | $59,040 | $83,530 | $-24,490 | ||
| Ohio | $85,930 | $67,770 | +$18,160 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $60,170 | $55,470 | +$4,700 | ||
| Texas | $82,120 | $71,580 | +$10,540 | ||
| Washington | $57,500 | $85,140 | $-27,640 | ||
| West Virginia | $65,050 | $46,900 | +$18,150 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station 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: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $5,486 (8.3%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 9 out of 12 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators is $71,928 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: Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. BLS reports approximately 2,780 Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station 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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