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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in West Virginia

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

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

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$46,900
Median Annual Salary
▼ -24.9% vs 2024
$54,280
Mean Salary
$46,900
Median Salary
$22.55
Hourly Rate
120 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia

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

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 West Virginia — 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 West Virginia.10thBottom 10% earn less than $40,010$40,01025th25% earn less than $44,260$44,260MedianHalf earn more than $46,900$46,90075th75% earn less than $60,810$60,81090thTop 10% earn more than $79,020$79,020

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia earn a median salary of $46,900 per year ($3,908/month). This is 29.4% below the national average of $66,441. West Virginia ranks #23 out of 24 states for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. Approximately 120 people work in this occupation across West Virginia. Salaries decreased by 24.9% 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 West Virginia

Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia range from $40,010 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $79,020 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $44,260 and $60,810.

Median $46,900
P10: $40,010 P25: $44,260 P75: $60,810 P90: $79,020
10th
$40,010
25th
$44,260
Median
$46,900
75th
$60,810
90th
$79,020
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $40,010 $19.24 $3,334
25th Percentile $44,260 $21.28 $3,688
Median (50th) $46,900 $22.55 $3,908
75th Percentile $60,810 $29.24 $5,067
90th Percentile (Experienced) $79,020 $37.99 $6,585

Note: The mean (average) salary of $54,280 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#23
West Virginia ranks #23 of 24 states
$66,441
National avg. for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
-29.4%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

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 West Virginia?
The median annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia is $46,900 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $54,280.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia?
Salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia range from $40,010 at the 10th percentile to $79,020 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $44,260 and $60,810.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia?
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions in West Virginia typically start around $40,010 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $44,260 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 120 people are employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia?
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 West Virginia is approximately $22.55 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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