SOC 534011
Locomotive Engineers
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations. Excludes "Engineers" (17-2011 through 17-2199).
National Median
$77,400
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$77,400
Entry Level (10th pct)
$60,980
Experienced (90th pct)
$100,690
Total Employed
31,990
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $60,980 - $73,410 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $73,410 - $84,230 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $84,230 - $100,690 |
Highest Paying Locations for Locomotive Engineers
Locomotive Engineers Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 40 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | $107,290 | 1,290 | |
| Massachusetts | $104,950 | 500 | |
| Connecticut | $103,010 | 360 | |
| Iowa | $87,550 | 1,520 | |
| Oklahoma | $86,520 | 330 | |
| Nebraska | $84,870 | 720 | |
| New Jersey | $84,230 | N/A | |
| Illinois | $83,690 | 2,130 | |
| Delaware | $82,920 | 300 | |
| Wisconsin | $82,190 | 400 | |
| Florida | $82,000 | 620 | |
| Pennsylvania | $81,210 | 1,460 | |
| Arizona | $81,170 | 380 | |
| Montana | $81,160 | 970 | |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | $80,490 | 150 | |
| Colorado | $79,960 | 450 | |
| Utah | $79,800 | 350 | |
| Kentucky | $79,690 | 400 | |
| Minnesota | $79,370 | 730 | |
| Oregon | $77,210 | 530 | |
| Texas | $77,080 | 4,040 | |
| Arkansas | $77,010 | 700 | |
| Wyoming | $76,990 | N/A | |
| Missouri | $76,910 | 810 | |
| Kansas | $76,680 | 990 | |
| Tennessee | $76,290 | 610 | |
| Georgia | $75,680 | 870 | |
| California | $74,710 | 1,670 | |
| Alabama | $73,780 | 490 | |
| Washington | $73,410 | 810 | |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $72,730 | N/A | |
| West Virginia | $72,660 | 220 | |
| South Dakota | $67,950 | 150 | |
| New Hampshire | $65,370 | 60 | |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $64,170 | 240 | |
| North Carolina | $64,110 | 260 | |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $63,750 | 40 | |
| Indiana | $63,160 | 860 | |
| Ohio | $62,130 | 190 | |
| Virginia | $61,350 | 520 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Locomotive Engineers?
The national median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers is $77,400, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Locomotive Engineerss earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Locomotive Engineerss is New York, with a median salary of $107,290.
How much can an experienced Locomotive Engineers make?
Top-earning Locomotive Engineerss (90th percentile) make $100,690 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.