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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$76,290
Median Annual Salary
▲
+26.9% vs 2024
$74,110
Mean Salary
$76,290
Median Salary
$36.68
Hourly Rate
1,210 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois earn a median salary of $76,290 per year ($6,357/month).
This is 14.8% above the national average of $66,441.
Illinois ranks #5 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay.
Approximately 1,210 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 26.9% 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 Illinois
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois range from $48,410 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $99,430 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $49,140 and $86,590.
Median $76,290
P10: $48,410P25: $49,140P75: $86,590P90: $99,430
10th
$48,410
25th
$49,140
Median
$76,290
75th
$86,590
90th
$99,430
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$48,410
$23.27
$4,034
25th Percentile
$49,140
$23.62
$4,095
Median (50th)
$76,290
$36.68
$6,357
75th Percentile
$86,590
$41.63
$7,215
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$99,430
$47.80
$8,285
Note: The mean (average) salary of $74,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#5
Illinois ranks #5 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 Illinois?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois is $76,290 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $74,110.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois range from $48,410 at the 10th percentile to $99,430 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $49,140 and $86,590.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in Illinois typically start around $48,410 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $49,140 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,210 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois?
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 Illinois is approximately $36.68 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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