Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Kentucky | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,090 | $65,480 | -14.3% vs US |
| State Rank | #19 of 24 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 260 jobs | 12,460 jobs | 2.1% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Kentucky
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $52,810 | $25.39 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,900 | $26.39 |
| Median | $56,090 | $26.97 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,490 | $29.08 |
| 90th Percentile | $62,160 | $29.88 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky in 2026?
With a median salary of $56,090 in Kentucky and a 2019–2024 salary trend of +19.3%, railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers are still in strong and growing demand.
How can railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers increase their salary in Kentucky?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky 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: Kentucky currently ranks #19 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 Kentucky?
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 Kentucky compared to the national average?
The median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Kentucky is $56,090, which is 14.3% below the national median of $65,480.