Rail Transportation Worker Salary in 2026
How Much Do Rail Transportation Workers Make?
Rail Transportation Workers earn a median annual salary of $49,330 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $34,690 at the 10th percentile to $82,620 at the 90th percentile — a range of $47,930. The highest-paying state is New Jersey at $84,190.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $34,690 |
| 25th percentile | $40,460 |
| Median (50th) | $49,330 |
| 75th percentile | $64,710 |
| 90th percentile | $82,620 |
Rail Transportation Worker Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| New Jerseytop | $84,190 |
| Washington | $82,910 |
| Georgia | $61,820 |
| California | $54,710 |
| Illinois | $49,320 |
| Tennessee | $47,480 |
| West Virginia | $44,200 |
| Kentucky | $43,770 |
| Texas | $22,160 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Rail Transportation Workers
Rail Transportation Worker Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$34,690 – $40,460 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$49,330 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$64,710 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $82,620+ |
How to Earn More as a Rail Transportation Worker
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Rail Transportation Workers in California earn $54,710 — $5,380 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($64,710) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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SOC: 53-4099.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.