Locomotive Engineers and Operators earn $79,940 median salary – what the job pays in 2025
The median salary for locomotive engineers and operators is $79,940, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to roughly $38 per hour. Most earn between $59,460 and $108,790, with the top 10% pulling in over six figures.
How much Locomotive Engineers and Operators earn
The national average pay for locomotive engineers and operators is $84,070 per year, or about $40 an hour. The middle half of earners brings home $79,940 at the median. New or less experienced workers at the 10th percentile make around $59,460, while veterans and those in high-paying districts at the 90th percentile earn up to $108,790.
Wages vary by railroad company, geographic region, and seniority. Union contracts often set pay scales that increase with years of service and type of run (freight versus passenger). Overtime and per diem can boost take-home pay significantly.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level data specific enough to list highest and lowest paying states for this occupation. However, states with dense freight rail networks and high cost of living—like California, Illinois, and New York—tend to offer higher wages. Lower-paying states are typically in the South and rural Plains. For exact figures, check the BLS OEWS interactive map.
How to become Locomotive Engineers and Operators
The path to becoming a locomotive engineer requires federal certification, on-the-job training, and a high school diploma or equivalent. Most start as railroad conductors or yard workers before moving into the engineer seat.
- Earn a high school diploma or GED. No college degree is required, but mechanical aptitude helps.
- Work as a conductor or in another entry-level railroad job to gain experience and seniority.
- Complete the railroad's formal training program, which covers safety, operating rules, signal systems, and locomotive controls.
- Pass a vision and hearing test, plus a background check and drug screening.
- Apply for and maintain a federal locomotive engineer license issued by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
- Pass periodic recertification exams and random drug/alcohol tests.
Job outlook
The BLS does not project growth specifically for locomotive engineers and operators from 2024 to 2034. However, the broader category of rail transportation workers is expected to have little to no change in employment over that decade. Automation and efficiency improvements may limit hiring, but retirements will create some openings. Overall, competition is expected for these well-paying union jobs.
Frequently asked questions
How much do locomotive engineers make an hour?
The mean hourly wage is about $40, and the median is roughly $38 an hour, according to BLS data.
Do you need a college degree to be a locomotive engineer?
No. A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement. Most engineers start as conductors and train on the job.
Is locomotive engineer a dangerous job?
It involves risks, including derailments, collisions, and exposure to moving equipment. Strict safety rules and ongoing training help mitigate these hazards.
How long does it take to become a locomotive engineer?
After working as a conductor (often 1–3 years), the formal training program for engineers lasts several months. Total time from entry to engineer can be 2–5 years.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Locomotive Engineers and Operators data.