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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Iowa

How much does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$77,150
Median Annual Salary
$71,390
Mean Salary
$77,150
Median Salary
$37.09
Hourly Rate
330 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa

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.

Top Skills

Operations Monitoring
3.62
Monitoring
3.44
Operation and Control
3.37
Active Listening
3.31
Critical Thinking
3.19

Key Knowledge Areas

Transportation
3.85
Public Safety and Security
3.46
Mechanical
3.3
English Language
3.16
Customer and Personal Service
2.77

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa range from $50,370 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $80,030 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $55,870 and $80,030.

Median $77,150
P10: $50,370 P25: $55,870 P75: $80,030 P90: $80,030
10th
$50,370
25th
$55,870
Median
$77,150
75th
$80,030
90th
$80,030
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $50,370 $24.22 $4,197
25th Percentile $55,870 $26.86 $4,655
Median (50th) $77,150 $37.09 $6,429
75th Percentile $80,030 $38.48 $6,669
90th Percentile (Experienced) $80,030 $38.48 $6,669

Note: The mean (average) salary of $71,390 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in Iowa adjusted for cost of living →

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary by State

Compare Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

Massachusetts $97,690 New Jersey $79,990 Nebraska $70,450 Texas $69,840 Colorado $69,040 Maryland $66,680 Missouri $65,480 Kansas $65,370 New Mexico $65,240 Wisconsin $65,150

View all 50 states →

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Iowa?
The median annual salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa is $77,150 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $71,390.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa range from $50,370 at the 10th percentile to $80,030 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $55,870 and $80,030.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in Iowa typically start around $50,370 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $55,870 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 330 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa?
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 Iowa is approximately $37.09 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS