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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$56,410
Median Annual Salary
▲ +0.6% vs 2024
$58,440
Mean Salary
$56,410
Median Salary
$27.12
Hourly Rate
170 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary by percentile in Kentucky

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $56,240$56,24025th25% earn less than $56,260$56,260MedianHalf earn more than $56,410$56,41075th75% earn less than $61,570$61,57090thTop 10% earn more than $63,000$63,000

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $56,410 per year ($4,700/month). This is 15.1% below the national average of $66,441. Kentucky ranks #18 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 170 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries increased by 0.6% 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.

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 Kentucky

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky range from $56,240 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $63,000 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $56,260 and $61,570.

Median $56,410
P10: $56,240 P25: $56,260 P75: $61,570 P90: $63,000
10th
$56,240
25th
$56,260
Median
$56,410
75th
$61,570
90th
$63,000
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $56,240 $27.04 $4,686
25th Percentile $56,260 $27.05 $4,688
Median (50th) $56,410 $27.12 $4,700
75th Percentile $61,570 $29.60 $5,130
90th Percentile (Experienced) $63,000 $30.29 $5,250

Note: The mean (average) salary of $58,440 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#18
Kentucky ranks #18 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
-15.1%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

How much do you actually take home? See Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers take-home pay in Kentucky after taxes →

Explore Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Data in Kentucky

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.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky is $56,410 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $58,440.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky range from $56,240 at the 10th percentile to $63,000 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $56,260 and $61,570.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in Kentucky typically start around $56,240 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $56,260 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 170 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky?
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 Kentucky is approximately $27.12 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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