Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Illinois | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,130 | $65,480 | -8.2% vs US |
| State Rank | #16 of 24 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 1,410 jobs | 12,460 jobs | 11.3% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $46,210 | $22.21 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,540 | $22.85 |
| Median | $60,130 | $28.91 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,710 | $39.77 |
| 90th Percentile | $85,040 | $40.88 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois in 2026?
With a median salary of $60,130 in Illinois and a 2019–2024 salary trend of -8.5%, railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers remain an established career option.
How can railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers increase their salary in Illinois?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Illinois currently ranks #16 out of 24 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $85,040 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Government Schools and Hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OEWS Designation) | $85,040 |
| Local Government, excluding Schools and Hospitals (OEWS Designation) | $85,040 |
How are Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers paid in Illinois compared to the national average?
The median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois is $60,130, which is 8.2% below the national median of $65,480.