Flight Attendants vs Locomotive Engineers: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Flight Attendants

Median Salary
$67,619
Average (Mean)
$69,123
Employed Nationwide
98,000
VS

Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary
$77,407
Average (Mean)
$75,493
Employed Nationwide
25,820
Locomotive Engineers earns $9,787 more (14.5%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $67,619 $77,407
Average (Mean) Salary $69,123 $75,493
Total Employment 98,000 25,820
States with Higher Pay 4 12

Salary by State: Flight Attendants vs Locomotive Engineers

Showing 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. Flight Attendants pays more in 4 states; Locomotive Engineers pays more in 12.

State Flight Attendants Locomotive Engineers Difference
Arizona $89,230
$77,490
+$11,740
California $79,130
$74,740
+$4,390
Colorado $50,120
$77,140
$-27,020
Connecticut $106,590
$92,670
+$13,920
Florida $76,180
$78,950
$-2,770
Georgia $68,670
$75,480
$-6,810
Michigan $68,030
$73,480
$-5,450
Minnesota $50,120
$76,760
$-26,640
New Jersey $48,750
$81,550
$-32,800
New York $69,010
$103,000
$-33,990
North Carolina $61,450
$81,830
$-20,380
Ohio $65,040
$78,480
$-13,440
Oregon $50,500
$74,020
$-23,520
Pennsylvania $75,010
$76,920
$-1,910
Texas $65,040
$73,890
$-8,850
Washington $98,710
$74,360
+$24,350

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Flight Attendants or Locomotive Engineers?
On average across all states, a Locomotive Engineers earns more than a Flight Attendants. The national median salary difference is $9,787 (14.5%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Flight Attendants earn more than a Locomotive Engineers?
A Flight Attendants earns a higher median salary than a Locomotive Engineers in 4 out of 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Locomotive Engineers pays more in 12 states.
What is the median salary for a Flight Attendants vs Locomotive Engineers?
The national median salary for a Flight Attendants is $67,619 per year, compared to $77,407 for a Locomotive Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Flight Attendants or Locomotive Engineers?
There are more people employed as Flight Attendants. BLS reports approximately 98,000 Flight Attendants positions and 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Flight Attendants or Locomotive Engineers?
Both Flight Attendants and Locomotive Engineers are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.

Compare After-Tax Take-Home Pay

See what each role actually pays after federal, state, and FICA taxes.