Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
West Virginia employs 120 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers professionals, below the national average concentration.
Data: BLS OEWS 2025 • West Virginia employment outlook • Updated 2026-05-19
The location quotient (LQ) of 0.29 indicates that West Virginia has a below-average concentration of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers professionals. This may suggest fewer local opportunities compared to other states, though national trends should also be considered.
Note: Location Quotient (LQ) is the ratio of the percentage of workers in an occupation in a given area to the percentage in that occupation nationwide. An LQ > 1.0 means above-average concentration; < 1.0 means below-average.
The average annual salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia is $54,280. For a detailed breakdown by percentile, entry-level, median, and senior salaries, see the comprehensive salary guide below.
West Virginia employs approximately 120 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers professionals (2025 BLS data). This ranks West Virginia for this occupation nationwide.
West Virginia has average or below-average concentration of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers jobs (LQ: 0.29). A Location Quotient above 1.0 indicates higher-than-average demand.
The average (mean) salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia is $54280/year. See our detailed salary page for percentile breakdowns.
Location Quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is in a state compared to the national average. LQ > 1.0 means the state has more of that job proportionally. LQ > 1.2 indicates strong demand.
The top state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers employment is Texas with 1,650 jobs.
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Compare Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers labor-market data (jobs, location quotient, salary) across the top-employing states.
Drill deeper into Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay, hiring, and education data for West Virginia.
Employment and location quotient data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) 2025. This data reflects total employment, jobs per 1,000 workers, location quotient, and average salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers (SOC 534022) in West Virginia.