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Locomotive Engineers Salary in Iowa

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Locomotive Engineers make in Iowa?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$89,970
Median Annual Salary
▲ +2.8% vs 2024
$86,180
Mean Salary
$89,970
Median Salary
$43.25
Hourly Rate
1,000 people work as Locomotive Engineers in Iowa

Locomotive Engineers salary by percentile in Iowa

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

Locomotive Engineers salary in Iowa — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa.10thBottom 10% earn less than $74,770$74,77025th25% earn less than $74,850$74,850MedianHalf earn more than $89,970$89,97075th75% earn less than $92,170$92,17090thTop 10% earn more than $95,710$95,710

Locomotive Engineers in Iowa earn a median salary of $89,970 per year ($7,497/month). This is 8.2% above the national average of $83,157. Iowa ranks #11 out of 35 states for Locomotive Engineers pay. Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation across Iowa. Salaries increased by 2.8% 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 Iowa

Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa range from $74,770 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $95,710 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $74,850 and $92,170.

Median $89,970
P10: $74,770 P25: $74,850 P75: $92,170 P90: $95,710
10th
$74,770
25th
$74,850
Median
$89,970
75th
$92,170
90th
$95,710
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $74,770 $35.95 $6,230
25th Percentile $74,850 $35.99 $6,237
Median (50th) $89,970 $43.25 $7,497
75th Percentile $92,170 $44.31 $7,680
90th Percentile (Experienced) $95,710 $46.01 $7,975

Note: The mean (average) salary of $86,180 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#11
Iowa ranks #11 of 35 states
$83,157
National avg. for Locomotive Engineers
+8.2%
vs. national average
Above Average

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

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

Explore Locomotive Engineers Data in Iowa

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 Iowa?
The median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa is $89,970 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $86,180.
What is the salary range for a Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa range from $74,770 at the 10th percentile to $95,710 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $74,850 and $92,170.
What is the starting salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?
Entry-level Locomotive Engineers positions in Iowa typically start around $74,770 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $74,850 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,000 people are employed as Locomotive Engineers in Iowa.
What is the hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Iowa is approximately $43.25 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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