Average Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in Colorado
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado earn an average annual salary of $66,880, surpassing the national average of $62,340. This higher compensation in Colorado can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the state's specific operational demands and the specialized nature of the role within the region's transportation infrastructure.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,880 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $84,330.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 250 individuals, the Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers sector in Colorado demonstrates a stable presence. The location quotient of 1.07 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent demand and a well-established industry presence within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado earns+7.3%above the national average.
$32.2
$1,286
$5,573
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased operational complexity, and the ongoing need for skilled professionals in the rail industry.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary Distribution in Colorado
Career progression for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized certifications can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their accumulated expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $47,800 | $23 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $50,160 | $24.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $69,040 | $33.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $83,600 | $40.2 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $84,330 | $40.5 |
Detailed Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,880
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$63,393
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $66,880 in Colorado presents a solid financial standing when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 105.5. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, the nominal salary offers a comparable, if not slightly better, purchasing power for individuals in this profession.
Job Market Context
250
Total Jobs
0.086
Per 1K Jobs
1.07
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.07, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.07 signifies that Colorado has a slightly higher concentration of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive market where the demand for these specialized skills is present and potentially growing, offering good opportunities for qualified professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado is $66,880. This typically ranges from $47,800 for entry-level positions to $84,330 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 7.3% higher than the national median of $62,340.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
Yes, Colorado offers a slightly more lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary in Colorado ($66,880) exceeds the national average, and the location quotient indicates a healthy concentration of these roles within the state.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
What is the average salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado?
The average annual salary for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in Colorado is $66,880.
How does Colorado's salary compare to the national average for this role?
Colorado's average salary of $66,880 is higher than the national average of $62,340.
What does the location quotient of 1.07 mean for this job in Colorado?
A location quotient of 1.07 indicates that Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers are slightly more concentrated in Colorado than the national average, suggesting a stable or growing demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the salary for this profession?
With a Cost of Living Index of 105.5, Colorado is slightly more expensive than the national average, but the higher salary of $66,880 generally provides good purchasing power for professionals in this field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 250 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 0.086 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Colorado
- All Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Management Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Browse All Jobs in Colorado →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado