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Locomotive Engineers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$77,070
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.2% vs 2024
$75,600
Mean Salary
$77,070
Median Salary
$37.05
Hourly Rate
1,570 people work as Locomotive Engineers in California
Locomotive Engineers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Locomotive Engineers in California earn a median salary of $77,070 per year ($6,422/month).
This is 7.3% below the national average of $83,157.
California ranks #27 out of 35 states for Locomotive Engineers pay.
Approximately 1,570 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 3.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Locomotive Engineers
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Top Skills
Operation and Control
4.12
Operations Monitoring
4.0
Active Listening
3.75
Speaking
3.62
Critical Thinking
3.62
Key Knowledge Areas
Transportation
4.46
Public Safety and Security
3.62
English Language
3.33
Education and Training
3.32
Customer and Personal Service
3.02
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(67.8% of workers)
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in California range from $52,260 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $79,940 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $74,370 and $79,940.
Median $77,070
P10: $52,260P25: $74,370P75: $79,940P90: $79,940
10th
$52,260
25th
$74,370
Median
$77,070
75th
$79,940
90th
$79,940
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$52,260
$25.12
$4,355
25th Percentile
$74,370
$35.75
$6,197
Median (50th)
$77,070
$37.05
$6,422
75th Percentile
$79,940
$38.43
$6,661
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$79,940
$38.43
$6,661
Note: The mean (average) salary of $75,600 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in California is $77,070 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $75,600.
What is the salary range for a Locomotive Engineers in California?
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in California range from $52,260 at the 10th percentile to $79,940 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $74,370 and $79,940.
What is the starting salary for a Locomotive Engineers in California?
Entry-level Locomotive Engineers positions in California typically start around $52,260 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $74,370 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Locomotive Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,570 people are employed as Locomotive Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in California is approximately $37.05 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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