National Salary Overview
Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
Median Salary
$65,072
Average (Mean)
$62,449
Employed Nationwide
17,800
VS
Tapers earns $3,429 more (5.3%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$65,072
$68,501
Average (Mean) Salary
$62,449
$68,291
Total Employment
17,800
15,180
States with Higher Pay
10
9
Salary by State: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators vs Tapers
Showing 19 states where both occupations have BLS data. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pays more in 10 states; Tapers pays more in 9.
| State | Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators | Tapers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $59,360 | $52,570 | +$6,790 | ||
| California | $77,240 | $68,840 | +$8,400 | ||
| Colorado | $64,610 | $64,950 | $-340 | ||
| Idaho | $60,100 | $43,870 | +$16,230 | ||
| Illinois | $73,870 | $103,600 | $-29,730 | ||
| Indiana | $75,080 | $47,410 | +$27,670 | ||
| Massachusetts | $77,840 | $97,310 | $-19,470 | ||
| Michigan | $63,980 | $66,150 | $-2,170 | ||
| Minnesota | $48,520 | $83,380 | $-34,860 | ||
| Missouri | $62,900 | $78,750 | $-15,850 | ||
| New York | $81,200 | $52,000 | +$29,200 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,690 | $34,330 | +$30,360 | ||
| Ohio | $63,210 | $66,120 | $-2,910 | ||
| Oregon | $60,040 | $88,250 | $-28,210 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $72,950 | $79,470 | $-6,520 | ||
| Texas | $57,340 | $45,620 | +$11,720 | ||
| Utah | $58,900 | $54,440 | +$4,460 | ||
| Washington | $75,160 | $67,200 | +$7,960 | ||
| Wisconsin | $67,880 | $61,510 | +$6,370 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Tapers?
On average across all states, a Tapers earns more than a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators. The national median salary difference is $3,429 (5.3%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators earn more than a Tapers?
A Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators earns a higher median salary than a Tapers in 10 out of 19 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Tapers pays more in 9 states.
What is the median salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators vs Tapers?
The national median salary for a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators is $65,072 per year, compared to $68,501 for a Tapers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Tapers?
There are more people employed as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators. BLS reports approximately 17,800 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators positions and 15,180 Tapers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators or Tapers?
Both Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators and Tapers 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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