National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Locomotive Engineers earns $10,042 more (13.7%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,157
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$83,682
$75,554
Total Employment
27,340
35,760
States with Higher Pay
26
3
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 26 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 3.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $89,840 | $78,080 | +$11,760 | ||
| Arkansas | $78,930 | $67,710 | +$11,220 | ||
| California | $77,070 | $69,950 | +$7,120 | ||
| Colorado | $89,360 | $77,550 | +$11,810 | ||
| Florida | $92,310 | $79,600 | +$12,710 | ||
| Illinois | $93,320 | $79,820 | +$13,500 | ||
| Indiana | $92,790 | $81,260 | +$11,530 | ||
| Kansas | $75,190 | $68,730 | +$6,460 | ||
| Kentucky | $77,620 | $52,380 | +$25,240 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,200 | $62,170 | +$2,030 | ||
| Minnesota | $93,700 | $78,930 | +$14,770 | ||
| Mississippi | $96,710 | $78,010 | +$18,700 | ||
| Missouri | $78,820 | $68,030 | +$10,790 | ||
| New Mexico | $88,330 | $77,890 | +$10,440 | ||
| New York | $109,220 | $80,000 | +$29,220 | ||
| North Carolina | $61,190 | $58,930 | +$2,260 | ||
| Ohio | $63,280 | $61,390 | +$1,890 | ||
| Oklahoma | $91,970 | $102,260 | $-10,290 | ||
| Oregon | $79,130 | $68,580 | +$10,550 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,460 | $83,610 | $-1,150 | ||
| South Carolina | $89,290 | $73,660 | +$15,630 | ||
| South Dakota | $69,180 | $62,730 | +$6,450 | ||
| Tennessee | $81,410 | $71,740 | +$9,670 | ||
| Texas | $79,000 | $68,980 | +$10,020 | ||
| Virginia | $90,780 | $79,900 | +$10,880 | ||
| Washington | $73,750 | $79,040 | $-5,290 | ||
| West Virginia | $64,400 | $55,180 | +$9,220 | ||
| Wisconsin | $84,550 | $59,690 | +$24,860 | ||
| Wyoming | $78,910 | $68,430 | +$10,480 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $10,042 (13.7%) based on 2025 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 26 out of 29 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 3 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $83,157 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 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 27,340 Locomotive Engineers positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
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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