Rail Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Rail Operator make in the United States?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Rail Operator in the United States is $38,861 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $19.

However, a Rail Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $54,979
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $32,214 to $47,298
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $26,162
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View as table View as graph 25% $32,214 10% $26,162 90% $54,979 75% $47,298 $38,861 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Rail Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $47,298 $3,941 $910 $23
Average $38,861 $3,238 $747 $19
25th Percentile $32,214 $2,684 $619 $15
Check out Rail Operator Job Openings in the United States
Rail Yard Maintenance Operator

Jurgensen Companies - Fairborn, OH

Packaging Operator

Cargill - SIDNEY, OH

Equipment Operator

ElectriCom Inc - ALPINE, TX

Equipment Operator

ElectriCom Inc - FLORENCE, TX

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Key Factors That Influence Rail Operator Salaries

A Rail Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

Top Paying Cities for Rail Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $49,015
  • San Francisco: $48,479
  • Oakland: $47,457

Rail Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Rail Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on June 01, 2026
$32,214
Average $38,861/year
$47,298
$2,684
Average $3,238/month
$3,941
$619
Average $747/week
$910
$15
Average $19/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,298 $3,941 $910 $23
Average $38,861 $3,238 $747 $19
25th Percentile $32,214 $2,684 $619 $15

Salaries of jobs related to Rail Operator

Most common benefits for Rail Operator

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401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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