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
Transportation Inspectors earns $13,098 more (20.2%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$64,898
$77,996
Average (Mean) Salary
$64,441
$82,685
Total Employment
9,900
19,070
States with Higher Pay
9
16
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 9 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 16.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $48,940 | $78,400 | $-29,460 | ||
| Arizona | $67,030 | $44,880 | +$22,150 | ||
| California | $59,820 | $74,780 | $-14,960 | ||
| Colorado | $66,610 | $55,820 | +$10,790 | ||
| Florida | $63,260 | $83,350 | $-20,090 | ||
| Illinois | $68,940 | $61,450 | +$7,490 | ||
| Indiana | $52,990 | $65,440 | $-12,450 | ||
| Louisiana | $59,560 | $85,570 | $-26,010 | ||
| Maryland | $66,510 | $85,260 | $-18,750 | ||
| Massachusetts | $82,490 | $92,870 | $-10,380 | ||
| Michigan | $48,320 | $77,660 | $-29,340 | ||
| Mississippi | $73,420 | $70,790 | +$2,630 | ||
| Missouri | $62,770 | $54,530 | +$8,240 | ||
| Montana | $78,230 | $60,160 | +$18,070 | ||
| Nebraska | $67,540 | $94,690 | $-27,150 | ||
| New Jersey | $76,800 | $46,750 | +$30,050 | ||
| New York | $78,770 | $87,380 | $-8,610 | ||
| North Carolina | $79,050 | $73,200 | +$5,850 | ||
| Ohio | $63,780 | $75,920 | $-12,140 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $63,880 | $67,180 | $-3,300 | ||
| South Carolina | $52,030 | $76,000 | $-23,970 | ||
| Texas | $66,950 | $81,020 | $-14,070 | ||
| Washington | $66,100 | $95,730 | $-29,630 | ||
| West Virginia | $62,320 | $47,740 | +$14,580 | ||
| Wisconsin | $62,480 | $104,580 | $-42,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Transportation Inspectors earns more than a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers. The national median salary difference is $13,098 (20.2%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 9 out of 25 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $64,898 per year, compared to $77,996 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Transportation Inspectors. BLS reports approximately 9,900 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 19,070 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers and Transportation Inspectors 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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