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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in New Jersey

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$74,160
Median Annual Salary
▼ -7.3% vs 2024
$70,530
Mean Salary
$74,160
Median Salary
$35.65
Hourly Rate
70 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey

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

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 New Jersey — 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 New Jersey.10thBottom 10% earn less than $52,850$52,85025th25% earn less than $63,710$63,710MedianHalf earn more than $74,160$74,16075th75% earn less than $78,500$78,50090thTop 10% earn more than $81,440$81,440

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey earn a median salary of $74,160 per year ($6,180/month). This is 11.6% above the national average of $66,441. New Jersey ranks #8 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 70 people work in this occupation across New Jersey. Salaries decreased by 7.3% 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 New Jersey

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey range from $52,850 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $81,440 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $63,710 and $78,500.

Median $74,160
P10: $52,850 P25: $63,710 P75: $78,500 P90: $81,440
10th
$52,850
25th
$63,710
Median
$74,160
75th
$78,500
90th
$81,440
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $52,850 $25.41 $4,404
25th Percentile $63,710 $30.63 $5,309
Median (50th) $74,160 $35.65 $6,180
75th Percentile $78,500 $37.74 $6,541
90th Percentile (Experienced) $81,440 $39.15 $6,786

Note: The mean (average) salary of $70,530 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#8
New Jersey ranks #8 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
+11.6%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in New Jersey 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 New Jersey after taxes →

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

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 New Jersey?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey is $74,160 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $70,530.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey range from $52,850 at the 10th percentile to $81,440 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $63,710 and $78,500.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in New Jersey typically start around $52,850 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $63,710 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 70 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey?
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 New Jersey is approximately $35.65 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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