How much does a train brake operator make?
a year · about $33 an hour
A typical train brake operator in the United States makes $68,840 a year, about $33 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
In a rail yard, they inspect brakes, couplings, and hoses, then move switches to send cars onto the right track. They guide the engineer with radio or hand signals as cars are joined or separated, while watching for hazards.
Did you know? Few trains still use locomotive firers: their work has been automated or is now done by an engineer or conductor.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $45,660 and $86,590How do you become one?
In the United States, finish high school or earn a GED, then apply to a railroad; switch and signal operators usually get company training lasting weeks to months. BLS says railroad workers must be at least 21 and pass a background check.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, pay can differ with experience and skill, the railroad or rail-support employer, and location. The job’s duties and hours—such as nights, weekends, or holidays—can matter too.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Washington ($85,140), lowest in Wyoming ($45,490).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $45,660 | $68,840 | $86,590 | about 12,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Washington | $85,140 | about 740 |
| New York | $83,530 | about 220 |
| Iowa | $80,910 | about 220 |
| Maryland | $79,180 | about 100 |
| Illinois | $76,290 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: 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.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/transportation-and-material-moving/railroad-occupations.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/53-4022.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes534022.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- railroads.dot.gov/railroad-safety/divisions/safety-partnerships/training-standar
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY