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
Ship Engineers earns $38,693 more (58.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$66,441
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$66,339
$106,570
Total Employment
9,380
7,760
States with Higher Pay
0
14
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Ship Engineers
Showing 14 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 0 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 14.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,050 | $96,030 | $-39,980 | ||
| California | $58,770 | $97,660 | $-38,890 | ||
| Florida | $58,250 | $130,480 | $-72,230 | ||
| Illinois | $76,290 | $115,310 | $-39,020 | ||
| Indiana | $64,530 | $122,190 | $-57,660 | ||
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $120,550 | $-64,140 | ||
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $103,430 | $-49,170 | ||
| Michigan | $66,970 | $79,170 | $-12,200 | ||
| New Jersey | $74,160 | $118,310 | $-44,150 | ||
| New York | $83,530 | $133,640 | $-50,110 | ||
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $65,010 | $-10,200 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $80,210 | $-24,740 | ||
| Texas | $71,580 | $127,810 | $-56,230 | ||
| Washington | $85,140 | $107,940 | $-22,800 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Ship Engineers 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 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 $38,693 (58.2%) based on 2025 BLS data.
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 $66,441 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 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 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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