As of February 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Railroad Engineer in California is $88,105, equivalent to $42 per hour, $1,694 weekly, or $7,342 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Railroad Engineer in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Railroad Engineer in California vary widely, spanning from $76,157 to $101,055. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($81,851) and 75th percentile ($94,884), while top earners (90th percentile) make $101,055 per year. This $13,033 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Commitment or Equipment Maintenance, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, California Railroad Engineer often earn 10.3% higher than national averages due to demand from Fortune 44 companies. However, California currently ranks 2 nationwide for Railroad Engineer job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
