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Locomotive Engineers Salary in Illinois

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Locomotive Engineers make in Illinois?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$93,320
Median Annual Salary
▲ +11.5% vs 2024
$102,480
Mean Salary
$93,320
Median Salary
$44.87
Hourly Rate
2,340 people work as Locomotive Engineers in Illinois

Locomotive Engineers salary by percentile in Illinois

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Locomotive Engineers salary in Illinois — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Illinois.10thBottom 10% earn less than $76,190$76,19025th25% earn less than $84,470$84,470MedianHalf earn more than $93,320$93,32075th75% earn less than $97,280$97,28090thTop 10% earn more than $152,420$152,420

Locomotive Engineers in Illinois earn a median salary of $93,320 per year ($7,776/month). This is 12.2% above the national average of $83,157. Illinois ranks #5 out of 35 states for Locomotive Engineers pay. Approximately 2,340 people work in this occupation across Illinois. Salaries increased by 11.5% 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)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Locomotive Engineers in Illinois

Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Illinois range from $76,190 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $152,420 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $84,470 and $97,280.

Median $93,320
P10: $76,190 P25: $84,470 P75: $97,280 P90: $152,420
10th
$76,190
25th
$84,470
Median
$93,320
75th
$97,280
90th
$152,420
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $76,190 $36.63 $6,349
25th Percentile $84,470 $40.61 $7,039
Median (50th) $93,320 $44.87 $7,776
75th Percentile $97,280 $46.77 $8,106
90th Percentile (Experienced) $152,420 $73.28 $12,701

Note: The mean (average) salary of $102,480 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#5
Illinois ranks #5 of 35 states
$83,157
National avg. for Locomotive Engineers
+12.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Locomotive Engineers salary in Illinois adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Locomotive Engineers take-home pay in Illinois after taxes →

Explore Locomotive Engineers Data in Illinois

Locomotive Engineers Salary by State

Compare Locomotive Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Locomotive Engineers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in Illinois is $93,320 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $102,480.
What is the salary range for a Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Illinois range from $76,190 at the 10th percentile to $152,420 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $84,470 and $97,280.
What is the starting salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?
Entry-level Locomotive Engineers positions in Illinois typically start around $76,190 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $84,470 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 2,340 people are employed as Locomotive Engineers in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Illinois is approximately $44.87 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

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.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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