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
Transportation Inspectors earns $15,173 more (22.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$66,441
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$66,339
$88,538
Total Employment
9,380
22,870
States with Higher Pay
5
18
Salary by State: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pays more in 5 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 18.
| State | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $56,050 | $108,140 | $-52,090 | ||
| California | $58,770 | $83,000 | $-24,230 | ||
| Colorado | $76,140 | $81,820 | $-5,680 | ||
| Florida | $58,250 | $101,470 | $-43,220 | ||
| Georgia | $75,540 | $95,030 | $-19,490 | ||
| Illinois | $76,290 | $47,990 | +$28,300 | ||
| Indiana | $64,530 | $80,330 | $-15,800 | ||
| Iowa | $80,910 | $116,850 | $-35,940 | ||
| Kansas | $66,990 | $103,380 | $-36,390 | ||
| Kentucky | $56,410 | $83,970 | $-27,560 | ||
| Louisiana | $54,260 | $77,460 | $-23,200 | ||
| Maryland | $79,180 | $100,700 | $-21,520 | ||
| Michigan | $66,970 | $35,890 | +$31,080 | ||
| Missouri | $67,110 | $64,690 | +$2,420 | ||
| New Jersey | $74,160 | $49,250 | +$24,910 | ||
| New Mexico | $72,340 | $63,690 | +$8,650 | ||
| New York | $83,530 | $93,420 | $-9,890 | ||
| North Carolina | $54,810 | $84,470 | $-29,660 | ||
| Ohio | $67,770 | $77,010 | $-9,240 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $55,470 | $81,550 | $-26,080 | ||
| Texas | $71,580 | $101,440 | $-29,860 | ||
| Washington | $85,140 | $104,250 | $-19,110 | ||
| West Virginia | $46,900 | $58,670 | $-11,770 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Transportation Inspectors 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 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 $15,173 (22.8%) based on 2025 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 5 out of 23 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 18 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 $66,441 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 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 9,380 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
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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