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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Freight Train Driver in Michigan is $59,372 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.
However, a Freight Train Driver's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Freight Train Driver Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $68,015 | $5,668 | $1,308 | $33 |
| Average | $59,372 | $4,948 | $1,142 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,576 | $4,381 | $1,011 | $25 |
Manthei Construction - Traverse City, MI
Asphalt Specialists, LLC. - Carleton, MI
Shafer Bros - Lansing, MI
Shafer Redi Mix Inc - Lansing, MI
A Freight Train Driver's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Freight Train Drivers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Freight Train Driver roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 36% above the average. In contrast, Freight Train Driver positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Freight Train Driver as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $80,895 | $39.0 | 36% |
| Financial Services | $74,958 | $36.0 | 26% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $71,989 | $35.0 | 21% |
| Biotechnology | $69,020 | $33.0 | 16% |
| Energy & Utilities | $66,052 | $32.0 | 11% |
Understanding how a Freight Train Driver'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $68,015 | $5,668 | $1,308 | $33 |
| Average | $59,372 | $4,948 | $1,142 | $29 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,576 | $4,381 | $1,011 | $25 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Freight Train Driver job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Detroit Aggregate
Detroit, MI
Detroit Aggregate | Detroit, MI
Gravel Train Drivers. Detroit Aggregate is looking for gravel train drivers to join its aggregate division based in Detroit, MI. If you are looking for con... more
10 Days Ago
Asphalt Specialists, LLC.
Oxford, MI
Asphalt Specialists, LLC. | Oxford, MI
Job Description. Job Description. Are you looking for a local job, day shift, excellent benefits, competitive pay, and a place to retire. don't look any fu... more
10 Days Ago
Carmeuse
Lansing, MI
Carmeuse | Lansing, MI
Crandell Bros Trucking Inc. Truck Driver. Crandell Bros Trucking Inc. seeks an experienced Truck Driver to join our unionized team. The role involves hauli... more
11 Days Ago
D.H.T.
Reese, MI
D.H.T. | Reese, MI
BEET SEASON IS COMING. DHT is looking for drivers. Now hiring CDL-A Gravel Train / Doubles drivers Reese, MI | Local | Home daily | No OTR. Michigan's beet... more
9 Days Ago
Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc
Midland, MI
Tri-City Groundbreakers, Inc | Midland, MI
Truck Driver. Midland Sand, a proud sister company to Tri-City Groundbreakers, is a leading player in the construction and materials industry. We are commi... more
11 Days Ago
GFL Environmental
Northville, MI
GFL Environmental | Northville, MI
Job Title. Starting Pay - $28.18 offering 2,000 Sign-On Bonus At GFL our goal is to invest in our people and provide opportunities to grow for life. Our em... more
9 Days Ago
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