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

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$85,140
Median Annual Salary
▲ +39.1% vs 2024
$81,560
Mean Salary
$85,140
Median Salary
$40.93
Hourly Rate
740 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington

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

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 Washington — 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 Washington.10thBottom 10% earn less than $62,360$62,36025th25% earn less than $83,480$83,480MedianHalf earn more than $85,140$85,14075th75% earn less than $85,140$85,14090thTop 10% earn more than $85,140$85,140

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington earn a median salary of $85,140 per year ($7,095/month). This is 28.1% above the national average of $66,441. Washington ranks #1 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 740 people work in this occupation across Washington. Salaries increased by 39.1% 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 Washington

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington range from $62,360 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $85,140 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $83,480 and $85,140.

Median $85,140
P10: $62,360 P25: $83,480 P75: $85,140 P90: $85,140
10th
$62,360
25th
$83,480
Median
$85,140
75th
$85,140
90th
$85,140
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $62,360 $29.98 $5,196
25th Percentile $83,480 $40.13 $6,956
Median (50th) $85,140 $40.93 $7,095
75th Percentile $85,140 $40.93 $7,095
90th Percentile (Experienced) $85,140 $40.93 $7,095

Note: The mean (average) salary of $81,560 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#1
Washington ranks #1 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
+28.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

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 Washington?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington is $85,140 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $81,560.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington range from $62,360 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $83,480 and $85,140.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in Washington typically start around $62,360 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $83,480 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 740 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Washington?
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 Washington is approximately $40.93 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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