National Salary Overview
VS
Locomotive Engineers earns $1,542 more (1.9%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$83,157
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$83,682
$88,538
Total Employment
27,340
22,870
States with Higher Pay
18
14
Salary by State: Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. Locomotive Engineers pays more in 18 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 14.
| State | Locomotive Engineers | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $77,600 | $108,140 | $-30,540 | ||
| Arizona | $89,840 | $62,250 | +$27,590 | ||
| Arkansas | $78,930 | $85,130 | $-6,200 | ||
| California | $77,070 | $83,000 | $-5,930 | ||
| Colorado | $89,360 | $81,820 | +$7,540 | ||
| Florida | $92,310 | $101,470 | $-9,160 | ||
| Illinois | $93,320 | $47,990 | +$45,330 | ||
| Indiana | $92,790 | $80,330 | +$12,460 | ||
| Iowa | $89,970 | $116,850 | $-26,880 | ||
| Kansas | $75,190 | $103,380 | $-28,190 | ||
| Kentucky | $77,620 | $83,970 | $-6,350 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,200 | $77,460 | $-13,260 | ||
| Massachusetts | $108,790 | $79,650 | +$29,140 | ||
| Minnesota | $93,700 | $92,860 | +$840 | ||
| Missouri | $78,820 | $64,690 | +$14,130 | ||
| Montana | $90,220 | $62,810 | +$27,410 | ||
| New Jersey | $86,550 | $49,250 | +$37,300 | ||
| New Mexico | $88,330 | $63,690 | +$24,640 | ||
| New York | $109,220 | $93,420 | +$15,800 | ||
| North Carolina | $61,190 | $84,470 | $-23,280 | ||
| Ohio | $63,280 | $77,010 | $-13,730 | ||
| Oklahoma | $91,970 | $111,070 | $-19,100 | ||
| Oregon | $79,130 | $78,110 | +$1,020 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $82,460 | $81,550 | +$910 | ||
| South Carolina | $89,290 | $80,490 | +$8,800 | ||
| South Dakota | $69,180 | $70,080 | $-900 | ||
| Tennessee | $81,410 | $78,430 | +$2,980 | ||
| Texas | $79,000 | $101,440 | $-22,440 | ||
| Virginia | $90,780 | $68,610 | +$22,170 | ||
| Washington | $73,750 | $104,250 | $-30,500 | ||
| West Virginia | $64,400 | $58,670 | +$5,730 | ||
| Wisconsin | $84,550 | $75,260 | +$9,290 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Locomotive Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Locomotive Engineers earns more than a Transportation Inspectors. The national median salary difference is $1,542 (1.9%) based on 2025 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 18 out of 32 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Locomotive Engineers vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Locomotive Engineers is $83,157 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Locomotive Engineers or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Locomotive Engineers. BLS reports approximately 27,340 Locomotive Engineers positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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