How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Illinois?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers working in Illinois earn a median salary of $76,290 per year, or about $36.68 per hour. That is 11% above the national median of $68,840 for this occupation.
Within Illinois, entry-level pay starts around $48,410 while the top 10% make $99,430 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $49,140 and $86,590 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in Illinois
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $48,410 | $23.27 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $49,140 | $23.63 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $76,290 | $36.68 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $86,590 | $41.63 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,430 | $47.80 |
How Illinois compares
Illinois ranks 5th 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 Illinois
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 Illinois pay ($76,290) 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 Illinois?
How does Illinois pay compare to the national average?
Is Illinois a good state for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
What are the highest-paying jobs in Illinois?
← See the national Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary report