How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in California?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California take home a median of $58,770 annually — roughly $28.25 an hour — which runs 15% below the national median of $68,840.
Within California, entry-level pay starts around $51,480 while the top 10% make $70,000 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,650 and $70,000 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in California
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $51,480 | $24.75 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $58,650 | $28.20 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $58,770 | $28.25 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $70,000 | $33.65 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $70,000 | $33.65 |
How California compares
California ranks 16th out of 24 states and territories for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
| Rank | State | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $85,140 |
| 2 | New York | $83,530 |
| 3 | Iowa | $80,910 |
| 4 | Maryland | $79,180 |
| 5 | Illinois | $76,290 |
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in other states
Working as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in California
Nationally, about 12,000 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare California pay ($58,770) 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 Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in California?
How does California pay compare to the national average?
Is California a good state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
← See the national Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary report