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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$55,470
Median Annual Salary
▲ +6.7% vs 2024
$55,360
Mean Salary
$55,470
Median Salary
$26.67
Hourly Rate
350 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania

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

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 Pennsylvania — 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 Pennsylvania.10thBottom 10% earn less than $33,950$33,95025th25% earn less than $38,140$38,140MedianHalf earn more than $55,470$55,47075th75% earn less than $73,350$73,35090thTop 10% earn more than $73,530$73,530

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $55,470 per year ($4,622/month). This is 16.5% below the national average of $66,441. Pennsylvania ranks #20 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 350 people work in this occupation across Pennsylvania. Salaries increased by 6.7% 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 Pennsylvania

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania range from $33,950 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $73,530 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $38,140 and $73,350.

Median $55,470
P10: $33,950 P25: $38,140 P75: $73,350 P90: $73,530
10th
$33,950
25th
$38,140
Median
$55,470
75th
$73,350
90th
$73,530
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $33,950 $16.32 $2,829
25th Percentile $38,140 $18.34 $3,178
Median (50th) $55,470 $26.67 $4,622
75th Percentile $73,350 $35.26 $6,112
90th Percentile (Experienced) $73,530 $35.35 $6,127

Note: The mean (average) salary of $55,360 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#20
Pennsylvania ranks #20 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
-16.5%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 Pennsylvania?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania is $55,470 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $55,360.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania range from $33,950 at the 10th percentile to $73,530 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $38,140 and $73,350.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in Pennsylvania typically start around $33,950 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $38,140 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 350 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania is approximately $26.67 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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