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
Locomotive Engineers earns $12,508 more (19.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$77,407
$64,898
Average (Mean) Salary
$75,493
$64,441
Total Employment
25,820
9,900
States with Higher Pay
22
1
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 22 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 1.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $69,250 | $48,940 | +$20,310 | ||
| Arizona | $77,490 | $67,030 | +$10,460 | ||
| California | $74,740 | $59,820 | +$14,920 | ||
| Colorado | $77,140 | $66,610 | +$10,530 | ||
| Florida | $78,950 | $63,260 | +$15,690 | ||
| Indiana | $89,230 | $52,990 | +$36,240 | ||
| Louisiana | $73,850 | $59,560 | +$14,290 | ||
| Maryland | $81,070 | $66,510 | +$14,560 | ||
| Michigan | $73,480 | $48,320 | +$25,160 | ||
| Mississippi | $62,830 | $73,420 | $-10,590 | ||
| Missouri | $73,730 | $62,770 | +$10,960 | ||
| Montana | $78,430 | $78,230 | +$200 | ||
| Nebraska | $76,380 | $67,540 | +$8,840 | ||
| New Jersey | $81,550 | $76,800 | +$4,750 | ||
| New York | $103,000 | $78,770 | +$24,230 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,830 | $79,050 | +$2,780 | ||
| Ohio | $78,480 | $63,780 | +$14,700 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $76,920 | $63,880 | +$13,040 | ||
| Texas | $73,890 | $66,950 | +$6,940 | ||
| Washington | $74,360 | $66,100 | +$8,260 | ||
| West Virginia | $68,200 | $62,320 | +$5,880 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,620 | $62,480 | +$16,140 | ||
| Wyoming | $73,800 | $48,770 | +$25,030 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
On average across all states, a Locomotive Engineers earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $12,508 (19.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Locomotive Engineers earn more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
A Locomotive Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in 22 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $77,407 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: Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions and 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Both Locomotive Engineers 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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