Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Locomotive Engineers Salary in Kentucky

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Locomotive Engineers make in Kentucky?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$77,620
Median Annual Salary
▼ -2.6% vs 2024
$83,310
Mean Salary
$77,620
Median Salary
$37.32
Hourly Rate
540 people work as Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky

Locomotive Engineers salary by percentile in Kentucky

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

Locomotive Engineers salary in Kentucky — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky.10thBottom 10% earn less than $61,820$61,82025th25% earn less than $77,590$77,590MedianHalf earn more than $77,620$77,62075th75% earn less than $96,810$96,81090thTop 10% earn more than $98,080$98,080

Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky earn a median salary of $77,620 per year ($6,468/month). This is 6.7% below the national average of $83,157. Kentucky ranks #25 out of 35 states for Locomotive Engineers pay. Approximately 540 people work in this occupation across Kentucky. Salaries decreased by 2.6% 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 Kentucky

Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky range from $61,820 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $98,080 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $77,590 and $96,810.

Median $77,620
P10: $61,820 P25: $77,590 P75: $96,810 P90: $98,080
10th
$61,820
25th
$77,590
Median
$77,620
75th
$96,810
90th
$98,080
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $61,820 $29.72 $5,151
25th Percentile $77,590 $37.30 $6,465
Median (50th) $77,620 $37.32 $6,468
75th Percentile $96,810 $46.54 $8,067
90th Percentile (Experienced) $98,080 $47.15 $8,173

Note: The mean (average) salary of $83,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#25
Kentucky ranks #25 of 35 states
$83,157
National avg. for Locomotive Engineers
-6.7%
vs. national average
Below Average

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

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

Explore Locomotive Engineers Data in Kentucky

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 Kentucky?
The median annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky is $77,620 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $83,310.
What is the salary range for a Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky?
Salaries for Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky range from $61,820 at the 10th percentile to $98,080 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $77,590 and $96,810.
What is the starting salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky?
Entry-level Locomotive Engineers positions in Kentucky typically start around $61,820 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $77,590 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 540 people are employed as Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky.
What is the hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Locomotive Engineers in Kentucky is approximately $37.32 per hour.

💼 Earning $77,620/year? Here's Your Next Move

* Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure

📊 Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

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

Share this page: X Facebook LinkedIn