National Salary Overview
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Median Salary
$65,072
Average (Mean)
$62,449
Employed Nationwide
17,800
VS
Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Median Salary
$65,595
Average (Mean)
$66,002
Employed Nationwide
61,070
Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns $523 more (0.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$65,072
$65,595
Average (Mean) Salary
$62,449
$66,002
Total Employment
17,800
61,070
States with Higher Pay
23
15
Salary by State: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers
Showing 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pays more in 23 states; Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 15.
| State | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | Structural Iron and Steel Workers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $58,220 | $57,940 | +$280 | ||
| Arizona | $59,360 | $57,560 | +$1,800 | ||
| Arkansas | $66,030 | $48,740 | +$17,290 | ||
| California | $77,240 | $76,760 | +$480 | ||
| Colorado | $64,610 | $61,200 | +$3,410 | ||
| Delaware | $79,550 | $59,140 | +$20,410 | ||
| Florida | $63,770 | $49,690 | +$14,080 | ||
| Georgia | $64,780 | $56,390 | +$8,390 | ||
| Idaho | $60,100 | $52,970 | +$7,130 | ||
| Illinois | $73,870 | $98,170 | $-24,300 | ||
| Indiana | $75,080 | $65,560 | +$9,520 | ||
| Iowa | $71,010 | $72,470 | $-1,460 | ||
| Kansas | $65,940 | $47,110 | +$18,830 | ||
| Kentucky | $72,730 | $62,680 | +$10,050 | ||
| Maryland | $68,590 | $65,560 | +$3,030 | ||
| Massachusetts | $77,840 | $109,120 | $-31,280 | ||
| Michigan | $63,980 | $66,910 | $-2,930 | ||
| Minnesota | $48,520 | $75,800 | $-27,280 | ||
| Mississippi | $39,030 | $46,710 | $-7,680 | ||
| Missouri | $62,900 | $60,540 | +$2,360 | ||
| Montana | $64,330 | $62,560 | +$1,770 | ||
| New Mexico | $80,540 | $74,580 | +$5,960 | ||
| New York | $81,200 | $93,210 | $-12,010 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,690 | $51,330 | +$13,360 | ||
| Ohio | $63,210 | $72,740 | $-9,530 | ||
| Oklahoma | $72,590 | $45,790 | +$26,800 | ||
| Oregon | $60,040 | $86,740 | $-26,700 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $72,950 | $76,490 | $-3,540 | ||
| South Carolina | $53,120 | $54,180 | $-1,060 | ||
| South Dakota | $61,770 | $49,070 | +$12,700 | ||
| Tennessee | $49,230 | $51,220 | $-1,990 | ||
| Texas | $57,340 | $48,600 | +$8,740 | ||
| Utah | $58,900 | $52,240 | +$6,660 | ||
| Virginia | $63,360 | $51,380 | +$11,980 | ||
| Washington | $75,160 | $98,550 | $-23,390 | ||
| West Virginia | $46,560 | $59,330 | $-12,770 | ||
| Wisconsin | $67,880 | $84,980 | $-17,100 | ||
| Wyoming | $66,720 | $46,890 | +$19,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
On average across all states, a Structural Iron and Steel Workers earns more than a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators. The national median salary difference is $523 (0.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators earn more than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
A Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators earns a higher median salary than a Structural Iron and Steel Workers in 23 out of 38 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Structural Iron and Steel Workers pays more in 15 states.
What is the median salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators vs Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
The national median salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators is $65,072 per year, compared to $65,595 for a Structural Iron and Steel Workers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
There are more people employed as Structural Iron and Steel Workers. BLS reports approximately 17,800 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators positions and 61,070 Structural Iron and Steel Workers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Structural Iron and Steel Workers?
Both Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators and Structural Iron and Steel Workers 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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