How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Iowa?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Iowa take home a median of $80,910 annually — roughly $38.90 an hour — which runs 18% above the national median of $68,840.
Within Iowa, entry-level pay starts around $50,660 while the top 10% make $82,240 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $57,290 and $82,240 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in Iowa
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $50,660 | $24.36 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $57,290 | $27.54 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $80,910 | $38.90 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $82,240 | $39.54 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,240 | $39.54 |
How Iowa compares
Iowa ranks 3rd 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 Iowa
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 Iowa pay ($80,910) 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
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← See the national Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary report