Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

SOC 53-4022

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.

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Five-year wage trends

Median wage levels across states

Focus level

Level III median wage up 19.8% since 2023-24.

2026 weighted lottery impact

Thresholds for Level III & IV

2026 Weighted Lottery Impact

Level III threshold: $58,282

Level IV threshold: $60,237

Most common level in filings: Level II

Latest Level III median

2025-26

$58,282

Level I$47,653

Level II$56,316

Level III$58,282

Level IV$60,237

Top metros by Level III wages

Latest year median for this occupation

Rank	Metro Area	Level I	Level II	Level III	Level IV
1	New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ, NJ	$61,610	$81,370	$101,150	$120,910
2	Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY, NY	$60,216	$80,226	$100,214	$120,224
3	Atlantic City-Hammonton, NJ, NJ	$55,806	$72,010	$88,213	$104,416
4	Trenton-Princeton, NJ, NJ	$55,806	$72,010	$88,213	$104,416
5	Amherst Town-Northampton, MA, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448
6	Barnstable Town, MA, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448
7	Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448
8	Pittsfield, MA, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448
9	Springfield, MA, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448
10	Worcester, MA, MA	$67,787	$77,667	$87,568	$97,448

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Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

2026 Weighted Lottery Impact