National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
Locomotive Engineers earns $8,642 more (12.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$77,407
$68,764
Average (Mean) Salary
$75,493
$69,815
Total Employment
25,820
26,870
States with Higher Pay
30
1
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 30 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $77,490 | $64,710 | +$12,780 | ||
| Arkansas | $73,830 | $63,340 | +$10,490 | ||
| California | $74,740 | $64,760 | +$9,980 | ||
| Colorado | $77,140 | $80,500 | $-3,360 | ||
| Florida | $78,950 | $78,720 | +$230 | ||
| Indiana | $89,230 | $80,550 | +$8,680 | ||
| Iowa | $85,450 | $73,080 | +$12,370 | ||
| Kansas | $73,510 | $63,510 | +$10,000 | ||
| Kentucky | $77,530 | $49,530 | +$28,000 | ||
| Louisiana | $73,850 | $64,040 | +$9,810 | ||
| Maine | $81,490 | $74,060 | +$7,430 | ||
| Maryland | $81,070 | $76,200 | +$4,870 | ||
| Michigan | $73,480 | $62,590 | +$10,890 | ||
| Minnesota | $76,760 | $71,830 | +$4,930 | ||
| Mississippi | $62,830 | $57,760 | +$5,070 | ||
| Missouri | $73,730 | $63,570 | +$10,160 | ||
| Montana | $78,430 | $72,220 | +$6,210 | ||
| Nebraska | $76,380 | $74,130 | +$2,250 | ||
| New York | $103,000 | $74,820 | +$28,180 | ||
| North Carolina | $81,830 | $78,490 | +$3,340 | ||
| Ohio | $78,480 | $61,160 | +$17,320 | ||
| Oklahoma | $84,360 | $72,460 | +$11,900 | ||
| Oregon | $74,020 | $64,150 | +$9,870 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $76,920 | $75,800 | +$1,120 | ||
| South Dakota | $64,590 | $59,150 | +$5,440 | ||
| Tennessee | $72,340 | $58,230 | +$14,110 | ||
| Texas | $73,890 | $64,770 | +$9,120 | ||
| Washington | $74,360 | $64,780 | +$9,580 | ||
| West Virginia | $68,200 | $59,680 | +$8,520 | ||
| Wisconsin | $78,620 | $64,870 | +$13,750 | ||
| Wyoming | $73,800 | $64,000 | +$9,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Locomotive Engineers earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $8,642 (12.6%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Locomotive Engineers earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Locomotive Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 30 out of 31 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $77,407 per year, compared to $68,764 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions and 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Locomotive Engineers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 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.
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