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Average Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary in New Jersey

Yes, New Jersey is a highly lucrative market for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss. With an average annual salary of $73,560, professionals here earn significantly more than the national norm.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $73,560 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.6% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,010.
  • Outlook: The current demand for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader New Jersey economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$73,560

The average Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey earns+18.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.4

Weekly

$1,415

Monthly

$6,130

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Salary Distribution in New Jersey

The earning potential for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss in New Jersey varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $57,620, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $80,010.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$57,620$27.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$55,170$26.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$79,990$38.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$91,950$44.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$80,010$38.5

Detailed Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$73,560

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$65,445

Adjusted for COL (112.4)

While the average salary of $73,560 in New Jersey is 18% higher than the national average, you should be aware of the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 112.4, your real purchasing power is actually lower, effectively feeling like $65,445.

Job Market Context

90

Total Jobs

0.022

Per 1K Jobs

0.27

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.27x, New Jersey has a notably lower concentration of Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

90 people work as Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey.

Only 0.022 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Comparing salaries near New Jersey

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 New Jersey?

The median annual salary for a Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers in New Jersey is $73,560. This typically ranges from $57,620 for entry-level positions to $80,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in New Jersey is 18.0% higher than the national median of $62,340.

Is New Jersey a good place for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss?

Yes, New Jersey is financially attractive for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firerss. The average salary of $73,560 exceeds the national average. See distinct detailed breakdown below.

Is New Jersey a good place to live for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers?

The Cost of Living Index in New Jersey is 112.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near New Jersey?

Some top paying nearby cities include New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ ($101,340) and Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the New Jersey area with a job density of 0.022 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.