National Salary Overview
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Median Salary
$64,898
Average (Mean)
$64,441
Employed Nationwide
9,900
VS
Ship Engineers earns $24,745 more (38.1%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$64,898
$89,643
Average (Mean) Salary
$64,441
$94,159
Total Employment
9,900
7,370
States with Higher Pay
2
14
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Ship Engineers
Showing 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 2 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 14.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,940 | $69,120 | $-20,180 | ||
| Florida | $63,260 | $108,140 | $-44,880 | ||
| Illinois | $68,940 | $76,890 | $-7,950 | ||
| Indiana | $52,990 | $82,200 | $-29,210 | ||
| Louisiana | $59,560 | $99,260 | $-39,700 | ||
| Maryland | $66,510 | $97,330 | $-30,820 | ||
| Massachusetts | $82,490 | $96,180 | $-13,690 | ||
| Michigan | $48,320 | $68,860 | $-20,540 | ||
| Mississippi | $73,420 | $119,310 | $-45,890 | ||
| New Jersey | $76,800 | $120,180 | $-43,380 | ||
| New York | $78,770 | $118,550 | $-39,780 | ||
| North Carolina | $79,050 | $58,700 | +$20,350 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,880 | $61,690 | +$2,190 | ||
| South Carolina | $52,030 | $97,980 | $-45,950 | ||
| Texas | $66,950 | $118,490 | $-51,540 | ||
| Washington | $66,100 | $88,900 | $-22,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $24,745 (38.1%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 2 out of 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $64,898 per year, compared to $89,643 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. BLS reports approximately 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 7,370 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Ship Engineers?
Both Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers and Ship Engineers 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.
Explore Career Options
Build a Professional Resume Get Certified & Earn More Learn a New Language Build In-Demand Tech Skills Explore Top Courses Advance Your CareerCompare After-Tax Take-Home Pay
See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.