How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in West Virginia?
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in West Virginia take home a median of $46,900 annually — roughly $22.55 an hour — which runs 32% below the national median of $68,840.
Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $40,010 while the top 10% make $79,020 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $44,260 and $60,810 a year.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary range in West Virginia
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,010 | $19.24 | |
| 25th percentile (early career) | $44,260 | $21.28 | |
| 50th percentile (median) | $46,900 | $22.55 | |
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $60,810 | $29.24 | |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $79,020 | $37.99 |
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia ranks 23rd 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 West Virginia
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 West Virginia pay ($46,900) 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