National Salary Overview
VS
Ship Engineers earns $21,977 more (26.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,157
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$83,682
$106,570
Total Employment
27,340
7,760
States with Higher Pay
2
16
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Ship Engineers
Showing 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 2 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 16.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,600 | $96,030 | $-18,430 | ||
| California | $77,070 | $97,660 | $-20,590 | ||
| Florida | $92,310 | $130,480 | $-38,170 | ||
| Illinois | $93,320 | $115,310 | $-21,990 | ||
| Indiana | $92,790 | $122,190 | $-29,400 | ||
| Kentucky | $77,620 | $120,550 | $-42,930 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,200 | $103,430 | $-39,230 | ||
| Massachusetts | $108,790 | $122,720 | $-13,930 | ||
| Mississippi | $96,710 | $98,380 | $-1,670 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,550 | $118,310 | $-31,760 | ||
| New York | $109,220 | $133,640 | $-24,420 | ||
| North Carolina | $61,190 | $65,010 | $-3,820 | ||
| Oregon | $79,130 | $88,800 | $-9,670 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,460 | $80,210 | +$2,250 | ||
| South Carolina | $89,290 | $97,890 | $-8,600 | ||
| Texas | $79,000 | $127,810 | $-48,810 | ||
| Virginia | $90,780 | $82,370 | +$8,410 | ||
| Washington | $73,750 | $107,940 | $-34,190 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Locomotive Engineers vs Ship Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Locomotive Engineers or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Locomotive Engineers. The national median salary difference is $21,977 (26.4%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Locomotive Engineers earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Locomotive Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 2 out of 18 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 16 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $83,157 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Locomotive Engineers or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 27,340 Locomotive Engineers positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Locomotive Engineers or Ship Engineers?
Both Locomotive Engineers and Ship Engineers 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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