National Salary Overview
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$66,441
Average (Mean)
$66,339
Employed Nationwide
9,380
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns $6,673 more (10.0%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$66,441
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$66,339
$75,554
Total Employment
9,380
35,760
States with Higher Pay
5
16
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 5 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 16.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $58,770 | $69,950 | $-11,180 | ||
| Colorado | $76,140 | $77,550 | $-1,410 | ||
| Florida | $58,250 | $79,600 | $-21,350 | ||
| Georgia | $75,540 | $75,810 | $-270 | ||
| Illinois | $76,290 | $79,820 | $-3,530 | ||
| Indiana | $64,530 | $81,260 | $-16,730 | ||
| Kansas | $66,990 | $68,730 | $-1,740 | ||
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $52,380 | +$4,030 | ||
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $62,170 | $-7,910 | ||
| Maryland | $79,180 | $83,390 | $-4,210 | ||
| Michigan | $66,970 | $78,960 | $-11,990 | ||
| Missouri | $67,110 | $68,030 | $-920 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,340 | $77,890 | $-5,550 | ||
| New York | $83,530 | $80,000 | +$3,530 | ||
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $58,930 | $-4,120 | ||
| Ohio | $67,770 | $61,390 | +$6,380 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $83,610 | $-28,140 | ||
| Texas | $71,580 | $68,980 | +$2,600 | ||
| Washington | $85,140 | $79,040 | +$6,100 | ||
| West Virginia | $46,900 | $55,180 | $-8,280 | ||
| Wyoming | $45,490 | $68,430 | $-22,940 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $6,673 (10.0%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 5 out of 21 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $66,441 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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