How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in North Carolina?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers working in North Carolina earn a median salary of $54,810 per year, or about $26.35 per hour. That is 20% below the national median of $68,840 for this occupation.
Within North Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $36,780 while the top 10% make $87,560 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $37,950 and $56,930 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in North Carolina
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,780 | $17.68 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $37,950 | $18.25 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $54,810 | $26.35 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $56,930 | $27.37 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $87,560 | $42.10 |
How North Carolina compares
North Carolina ranks 21st 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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina pay ($54,810) 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