Locomotive Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Locomotive Engineer make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Locomotive Engineer in the United States is $81,376 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,111
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,225 to $100,081
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54,341

Key Factors That Influence Locomotive Engineer Salaries

A Locomotive Engineer'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 Locomotive Engineer

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: $102,639
  • San Francisco: $101,516
  • Oakland: $99,376

What Skills Can Increase a Locomotive Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Customer Service (Mentioned in 25% Job Postings): Customer service is the provision of service to customers before, during and after a purchase. The perception of success of such interactions is dependent on employees "who can adjust themselves to the personality of the guest". Customer service concerns the priority an organization assigns to customer service relative to components such as product innovation and pricing. In this sense, an organization that values good customer service may spend more money in training employees than the average organization or may proactively interview customers for feedback. From the point of view of an overall sales process engineering effort, customer service plays an important role in an organization's ability to generate income and revenue. From that perspective, customer service should be included as part of an overall approach to systematic improvement. One good customer service experience can change the entire perception a customer holds towards the organization.
  • Computer Systems (Mentioned in 8.33% Job Postings): A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device.
Skills Demand Percentage
Customer Service 25%
Computer Systems 8.33%

Locomotive Engineer Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Locomotive Engineer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,376. While startup companies pay approximate $81,376.

Locomotive Engineer Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $81,376
Growth Stage 51~500 $81,376
Established 501~5000 $81,376
Enterprise 5000+ $81,376

Locomotive Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Locomotive Engineer'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.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$67,225
Average $81,376/year
$100,081
$5,602
Average $6,781/month
$8,340
$1,293
Average $1,565/week
$1,925
$32
Average $39/hour
$48
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $100,081 $8,340 $1,925 $48
Average $81,376 $6,781 $1,565 $39
25th Percentile $67,225 $5,602 $1,293 $32

Most common benefits for Locomotive Engineer

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Locomotive Engineer

1. Where can a Locomotive Engineer earn the most?

A Locomotive Engineer's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Locomotive Engineer earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Locomotive Engineer is $102,639.

2. What is the highest pay for Locomotive Engineer?

The highest pay for Locomotive Engineer is $117,111.

3. What is the lowest pay for Locomotive Engineer?

The lowest pay for Locomotive Engineer is $54,341.

4. What are the responsibilities of Locomotive Engineer?

Drives electric, diesel-electric, or gas-turbine electric locomotives to transport freight and/or passengers between stations. May be required to complete specific trade school courses and possess necessary certifications. Is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of complicated tasks.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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