Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | New Jersey | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,990 | $65,480 | +22.2% vs US |
| State Rank | #2 of 24 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 90 jobs | 12,460 jobs | 0.7% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $57,620 | $27.70 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,170 | $34.70 |
| Median | $79,990 | $38.46 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,000 | $38.46 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,010 | $38.46 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey in 2026?
With a median salary of $79,990 in New Jersey and a 2020–2024 salary trend of +11.0%, 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 New Jersey?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey 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: New Jersey currently ranks #2 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 New Jersey?
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 New Jersey compared to the national average?
The median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey is $79,990, which is 22.2% above the national median of $65,480.