Locomotive Engineers Salary 2025: $81,410 Median, How to Become One & Job Outlook
Locomotive Engineers earned a median $81,410 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% made over $109,220, while the bottom 10% earned about $60,680. With 33,470 jobs across the country, this is a stable but small occupation.
How much Locomotive Engineers earn
The median annual wage for Locomotive Engineers is $81,410, which works out to about $39 per hour. The mean annual wage is slightly higher at $85,900. Most engineers fall between $60,680 (10th percentile) and $109,220 (90th percentile). Pay varies mainly by employer, experience, and location—especially union contracts and seniority.
Pay by state
New York pays Locomotive Engineers the most: a mean annual wage of $109,220. Massachusetts is close at $108,790. Other top-paying states are Mississippi ($96,710), Minnesota ($93,700), and Illinois ($93,320). At the lower end, Louisiana averages $64,200, Ohio $63,280, and North Carolina $61,190. Generally, states with dense rail networks and strong union presence offer higher wages.
- Highest-paying: New York ($109,220), Massachusetts ($108,790), Mississippi ($96,710), Minnesota ($93,700), Illinois ($93,320)
- Lowest-paying: Louisiana ($64,200), Ohio ($63,280), North Carolina ($61,190)
How to become a Locomotive Engineer
Becoming a Locomotive Engineer typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training and federal certification. The path usually starts as a conductor or brakeman. You'll need to pass a background check, meet vision and hearing standards, and complete a training program approved by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Certification involves written tests, skills demonstrations, and periodic recertification.
Most railroads run their own training schools or apprenticeship programs that last 6 to 15 months. You'll learn operating rules, signaling, safety procedures, and how to handle emergencies. No college degree is required, but courses in mechanics or electronics can help. The process is competitive—railroads look for reliability, attention to detail, and good judgment.
- 1. Earn a high school diploma or GED.
- 2. Start as a railroad conductor or brakeman to gain experience.
- 3. Complete an FRA-approved training program (often railroad-sponsored).
- 4. Pass the engineer certification exam (written, skills, and medical test).
- 5. Maintain certification with periodic testing and recertification.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Locomotive Engineers will grow only 0.7% from 2024 to 2034, much slower than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 2,200 openings per year, mostly to replace workers who retire or leave the field. Automation and operational efficiencies may limit new job creation, but freight rail remains essential for moving goods across the country.
Frequently asked questions
Do locomotive engineers need a college degree?
No, a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most training happens on the job through employer-sponsored programs approved by the Federal Railroad Administration.
How long does it take to become a locomotive engineer?
It usually takes 6 to 15 months of training and on-the-job experience, plus passing the engineer certification exam. Many start as conductors and work up over a few years.
Is locomotive engineering a good career?
It offers a solid median salary of $81,410 and union protections, but job growth is slow. Work can involve irregular hours, long shifts, and time away from home. It's a stable career for those who enjoy hands-on, safety-focused work.
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 data.