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
Locomotive Engineers earns $16,716 more (25.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,157
$66,441
Average (Mean) Salary
$83,682
$66,339
Total Employment
27,340
9,380
States with Higher Pay
19
2
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 19 states; Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 2.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,600 | $56,050 | +$21,550 | ||
| California | $77,070 | $58,770 | +$18,300 | ||
| Colorado | $89,360 | $76,140 | +$13,220 | ||
| Florida | $92,310 | $58,250 | +$34,060 | ||
| Illinois | $93,320 | $76,290 | +$17,030 | ||
| Indiana | $92,790 | $64,530 | +$28,260 | ||
| Iowa | $89,970 | $80,910 | +$9,060 | ||
| Kansas | $75,190 | $66,990 | +$8,200 | ||
| Kentucky | $77,620 | $56,410 | +$21,210 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,200 | $54,260 | +$9,940 | ||
| Missouri | $78,820 | $67,110 | +$11,710 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,550 | $74,160 | +$12,390 | ||
| New Mexico | $88,330 | $72,340 | +$15,990 | ||
| New York | $109,220 | $83,530 | +$25,690 | ||
| North Carolina | $61,190 | $54,810 | +$6,380 | ||
| Ohio | $63,280 | $67,770 | $-4,490 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,460 | $55,470 | +$26,990 | ||
| Texas | $79,000 | $71,580 | +$7,420 | ||
| Washington | $73,750 | $85,140 | $-11,390 | ||
| West Virginia | $64,400 | $46,900 | +$17,500 | ||
| Wyoming | $78,910 | $45,490 | +$33,420 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Locomotive Engineers 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: 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 $16,716 (25.2%) based on 2025 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 19 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 2 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 $83,157 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: Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 27,340 Locomotive Engineers positions and 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions nationwide (2025).
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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