Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary
$77,407
Average (Mean)
$75,493
Employed Nationwide
25,820
VS

Transportation Inspectors

Median Salary
$77,996
Average (Mean)
$82,685
Employed Nationwide
19,070
Transportation Inspectors earns $589 more (0.8%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $77,407 $77,996
Average (Mean) Salary $75,493 $82,685
Total Employment 25,820 19,070
States with Higher Pay 14 19

Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors

Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 14 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 19.

State Locomotive Engineers Transportation Inspectors Difference
Alabama $69,250
$78,400
$-9,150
Arizona $77,490
$44,880
+$32,610
Arkansas $73,830
$81,160
$-7,330
California $74,740
$74,780
$-40
Colorado $77,140
$55,820
+$21,320
Connecticut $92,670
$78,520
+$14,150
Florida $78,950
$83,350
$-4,400
Georgia $75,480
$94,220
$-18,740
Indiana $89,230
$65,440
+$23,790
Iowa $85,450
$71,310
+$14,140
Kansas $73,510
$99,520
$-26,010
Kentucky $77,530
$88,780
$-11,250
Louisiana $73,850
$85,570
$-11,720
Maine $81,490
$52,890
+$28,600
Maryland $81,070
$85,260
$-4,190
Michigan $73,480
$77,660
$-4,180
Mississippi $62,830
$70,790
$-7,960
Missouri $73,730
$54,530
+$19,200
Montana $78,430
$60,160
+$18,270
Nebraska $76,380
$94,690
$-18,310
New Jersey $81,550
$46,750
+$34,800
New York $103,000
$87,380
+$15,620
North Carolina $81,830
$73,200
+$8,630
Ohio $78,480
$75,920
+$2,560
Oklahoma $84,360
$91,100
$-6,740
Oregon $74,020
$91,100
$-17,080
Pennsylvania $76,920
$67,180
+$9,740
South Dakota $64,590
$73,880
$-9,290
Tennessee $72,340
$76,230
$-3,890
Texas $73,890
$81,020
$-7,130
Washington $74,360
$95,730
$-21,370
West Virginia $68,200
$47,740
+$20,460
Wisconsin $78,620
$104,580
$-25,960

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Locomotive Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Transportation Inspectors earns more than a Locomotive Engineers. The national median salary difference is $589 (0.8%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Locomotive Engineers earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Locomotive Engineers earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 14 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 19 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $77,407 per year, compared to $77,996 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Locomotive Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 25,820 Locomotive Engineers positions and 19,070 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Locomotive Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Locomotive Engineers and Transportation Inspectors 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.