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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$58,770
Median Annual Salary
▲
+1.8% vs 2024
$61,530
Mean Salary
$58,770
Median Salary
$28.25
Hourly Rate
1,340 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California earn a median salary of $58,770 per year ($4,897/month).
This is 11.5% below the national average of $66,441.
California ranks #16 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay.
Approximately 1,340 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 1.8% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Salary Range: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California range from $51,480 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $70,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $58,650 and $70,000.
Median $58,770
P10: $51,480P25: $58,650P75: $70,000P90: $70,000
10th
$51,480
25th
$58,650
Median
$58,770
75th
$70,000
90th
$70,000
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$51,480
$24.75
$4,290
25th Percentile
$58,650
$28.20
$4,887
Median (50th)
$58,770
$28.25
$4,897
75th Percentile
$70,000
$33.65
$5,833
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$70,000
$33.65
$5,833
Note: The mean (average) salary of $61,530 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#16
California ranks #16 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in California?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California is $58,770 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $61,530.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California range from $51,480 at the 10th percentile to $70,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $58,650 and $70,000.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in California typically start around $51,480 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $58,650 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,340 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California is approximately $28.25 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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