Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators Salary in Illinois (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Illinois, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Illinois Median
$78,910
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.94
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+13% vs US median
US median $70,070
State Rank
#9 of 39
1,190 employed here

How much do Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in Illinois?

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators working in Illinois earn a median salary of $78,910 per year, or about $37.94 per hour. That is 13% above the national median of $70,070 for this occupation.

Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $51,500 while the top 10% make $92,500 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,010 and $83,740 a year.

Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary range in Illinois

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$51,500$24.76
25th percentile (early career)$63,010$30.29
50th percentile (median)$78,910$37.94
75th percentile (experienced)$83,740$40.26
90th percentile (top earners)$92,500$44.47

How Illinois compares

Illinois ranks 9th out of 39 states and territories for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Massachusetts$94,330
2Maryland$92,030
3New York$87,150
4Virginia$84,750
5New Mexico$83,370

Working as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in Illinois

Nationally, about 20,000 people work as Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Illinois pay ($78,910) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators make in Illinois?
The median Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary in Illinois is $78,910 per year, or about $37.94 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $51,500 at the entry level to $92,500 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Illinois pays Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators about 13% more than the national median of $70,070. Illinois ranks 9th out of 39 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Illinois a good state for Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — Illinois pays above the national median for this occupation, at $78,910 a year. About 1,190 Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators are employed in Illinois. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
The highest-paying occupations in Illinois include Cardiologist ($517,850), Surgeon, All Other ($438,010), Dermatologist ($435,750), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.