SOC 53-4022 · National · May 2024 OEWS Data
The national median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $65,478 per year ($31.48/hr) according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024. The middle 50% of earners make between $51,730 and $70,138 annually. Top earners at the 90th percentile reach $80,850 per year. There are approximately 12,460 railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers employed in the United States.
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| P10 | $21.04 | $43,763 |
| P25 | $24.87 | $51,730 |
| P50MEDIAN | $31.48 | $65,478 |
| P75 | $33.72 | $70,138 |
| P90 | $38.87 | $80,850 |
The overall labor market contracted slightly in February: 5.0M separations vs 4.8M hires. Hiring rate hit 3.1%, the lowest since April 2020. The "Great Stay" persists with quits at 1.9% for 8 consecutive months.
The national median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $65,478 per year ($31.48/hr) according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data. The middle 50% earn between $51,730 and $70,138 annually.
The 90th percentile salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers is $80,850 per year ($38.87/hr). The 75th percentile is $70,138 per year.
Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers (10th percentile) earn approximately $43,763 per year ($21.04/hr). The 25th percentile is $51,730 per year.
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