Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD

Median annual salary $61,360 -6.3% vs national
Median hourly $29.50
10th percentile $46,690
90th percentile $70,670
Employed locally 40
National median $65,480

Compare Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary & buying power

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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $46,690
    25th
    $61,360
    50th (median)
    $61,360
    75th
    $70,670
    90th
    $70,670

    Philadelphia economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.80% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $89,273 2023 • Census ACS
    Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary vs area income 69% Median Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary is 31% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $132,190
    New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $108,350
    Massachusetts $97,690
    New Jersey $79,990
    Iowa $77,150
    Salt Lake City-Murray, UT $76,860

    Nearby metros — Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $54,230

    Related occupations in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$42,300
    Stockers and Order Fillers$36,670
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60,000
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$42,450
    Light Truck Drivers$45,030
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$53,990

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make per hour in Philadelphia?

    The median hourly wage for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is $29.50, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $33.97 or more per hour.

    Is Philadelphia above or below average for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salaries?

    The median Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers salary in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD is 6.3% below the national median of $65,480. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Philadelphia?

    Entry-level Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers (10th percentile) earn around $46,690 per year in Philadelphia, PA-NJ-DE-MD. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $61,360.