How much does a train engineer make?
a year · about $39 an hour
A typical train engineer in the United States makes $81,410 a year, about $39 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They drive freight or passenger trains between stops, watching the track and speed and adjusting the throttle and air brakes. They check air-pressure gauges, stay in touch with the conductor, and may work nights or weekends.
Did you know? A separate “fireman” is now rare on U.S. trains: that job has mostly been automated or taken over by the engineer or conductor.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $60,680 and $109,220How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish high school; many engineers first work for years as conductors or yardmasters, and applicants are generally at least 21. A railroad trains you, then certifies you after written and skills tests and a route-knowledge check.
School needed: High school plus some training
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., pay can differ by railroad and location, and experienced workers usually earn more; seniority often brings access to more wanted shifts. Freight and passenger jobs may have different schedules, so hours worked can affect total earnings; FRA certification and route knowledge are required to qualify.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($109,220), lowest in Louisiana ($64,200).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
In Japan, a train driver averages $47,943. Train engineer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,680 | $81,410 | $109,220 | about 33,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $109,220 | about 2,000 |
| Massachusetts | $108,790 | about 640 |
| Minnesota | $93,700 | about 990 |
| Illinois | $93,320 | about 2,000 |
| Indiana | $92,790 | about 1,000 |
Official definition: Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations. Excludes “Engineers” (17-2011 through 17-2199).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/OOH/transportation-and-material-moving/railroad-occupations.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes534011.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CFR-2020-title49-vol4/pdf/CFR-2020-title49-vol4-part
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY