Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Illinois
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers monitor and operate equipment that keeps trains moving safely. They work on freight and passenger rail lines, operating track switches, watching instruments in locomotives, coupling and uncoupling cars, and inspecting brakes and couplings In Illinois the median pay is $76,290 a year, 11% above the national median of $68,840.
$76,290median pay in Illinois, per year
$49,140–$86,590middle half earn
1,210employed in Illinois
$68,840U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Operations MonitoringMonitoringCoordinationOperation and ControlActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingJudgment and Decision Making
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers.
Licenses and training in Illinois
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers pay in other states
Washington · $85,140New York · $83,530Iowa · $80,910Maryland · $79,180Colorado · $76,140Georgia · $75,540New Jersey · $74,160New Mexico · $72,340Texas · $71,580Ohio · $67,770
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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-4022.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Illinois, annual.