What is the salary of a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

The typical salary range is $45,836 - $91,672 per year.

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeStable

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Operational-level

Also known as: Air Brake Operator, Air Hose Coupler, Area Brakeman, Brake Holder

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.

Railroad OperationsLocomotive OperationsTrain SignalingTransportationLogisticsSafety ManagementAutomotive

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Google Android Microsoft Excel Microsoft Office software Microsoft Outlook

In-demand software

Google AndroidMicrosoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+0.8%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

900

per year (US)

Jobs today

10,700

in 2025 → 10,800 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

Moderate

Time pressure

High

Time spent sitting

Moderate

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Manœuvre ferroviaire
Assistant de voie
Ouvrier d'entretien ferroviaire

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Where it can lead

Contrôleur de la circulation ferroviaire
Chef de train
Ingénieur de locomotive

Impact of AI on this Job

AI and automation are likely to significantly impact this role. Automated train operation systems and remote monitoring technologies could reduce the need for on-site human operators for certain tasks, particularly in switch control and signal monitoring. However, human oversight will remain crucial for safety, complex problem-solving, and unexpected situations, shifting the role towards supervision and maintenance of advanced systems.

Salary

$68,840

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position