Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Pennsylvania | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $51,990 | $65,480 | -20.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #20 of 24 states | Top 20 state | |
| Employment | 360 jobs | 12,460 jobs | 2.9% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,370 | $15.08 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,530 | $17.56 |
| Median | $51,990 | $25.00 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,860 | $27.34 |
| 90th Percentile | $70,840 | $34.06 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania in 2026?
With a median salary of $51,990 in Pennsylvania and a 2020–2024 salary trend of -12.4%, 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 Pennsylvania?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania 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: Pennsylvania currently ranks #20 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 Pennsylvania?
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 Pennsylvania compared to the national average?
The median salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Pennsylvania is $51,990, which is 20.6% below the national median of $65,480.