Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Colorado (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Colorado Median
$76,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$36.61
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+11% vs US median
US median $68,840
State Rank
#6 of 24
state estimate

How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Colorado?

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers working in Colorado earn a median salary of $76,140 per year, or about $36.61 per hour. That is 11% above the national median of $68,840 for this occupation.

Within Colorado, entry-level pay starts around $48,150 while the top 10% make $97,940 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $70,680 and $97,940 a year.

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in Colorado

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$48,150$23.15
25th percentile (early career)$70,680$33.98
50th percentile (median)$76,140$36.61
75th percentile (experienced)$97,940$47.09
90th percentile (top earners)$97,940$47.09

How Colorado compares

Colorado ranks 6th out of 24 states and territories for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$85,140
2New York$83,530
3Iowa$80,910
4Maryland$79,180
5Illinois$76,290

Working as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado

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 Colorado pay ($76,140) 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 Colorado?
The median Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in Colorado is $76,140 per year, or about $36.61 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $48,150 at the entry level to $97,940 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Colorado pay compare to the national average?
Colorado pays Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers about 11% more than the national median of $68,840. Colorado ranks 6th out of 24 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Colorado a good state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Yes on pay — Colorado pays above the national median for this occupation, at $76,140 a year. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Colorado?
The highest-paying occupations in Colorado include Orthodontist ($416,000), Dermatologist ($398,810), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($385,410), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 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.