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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in North Carolina

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$54,810
Median Annual Salary
⚠ Estimate revised vs 2024 — see methodology
$57,300
Mean Salary
$54,810
Median Salary
$26.35
Hourly Rate
110 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina

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

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 North Carolina — 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 North Carolina.10thBottom 10% earn less than $36,780$36,78025th25% earn less than $37,950$37,950MedianHalf earn more than $54,810$54,81075th75% earn less than $56,930$56,93090thTop 10% earn more than $87,560$87,560

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina earn a median salary of $54,810 per year ($4,567/month). This is 17.5% below the national average of $66,441. North Carolina ranks #21 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 110 people work in this occupation across North Carolina.

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 North Carolina

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina range from $36,780 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $87,560 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $37,950 and $56,930.

Median $54,810
P10: $36,780 P25: $37,950 P75: $56,930 P90: $87,560
10th
$36,780
25th
$37,950
Median
$54,810
75th
$56,930
90th
$87,560
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $36,780 $17.68 $3,065
25th Percentile $37,950 $18.25 $3,162
Median (50th) $54,810 $26.35 $4,567
75th Percentile $56,930 $27.37 $4,744
90th Percentile (Experienced) $87,560 $42.10 $7,296

Note: The mean (average) salary of $57,300 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#21
North Carolina ranks #21 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
-17.5%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 North Carolina?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina is $54,810 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $57,300.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina range from $36,780 at the 10th percentile to $87,560 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $37,950 and $56,930.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in North Carolina typically start around $36,780 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $37,950 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 110 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in North Carolina?
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 North Carolina is approximately $26.35 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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