Locomotive Engineer salary
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
A locomotive engineer earns a median of $81,410 a year ($39.14 an hour) in the US, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025). The average is $85,900. About 33,470 people work in this job.
Take-home pay on $81,410
- Gross pay
- $3,131.15
- Federal income tax
- −$349.24
- Social Security (6.2%)
- −$194.13
- Medicare (1.45%)
- −$45.40
- Texas income tax
- $0.00No state income tax on wages
- Take-home pay
- $2,542.38
Annual breakdown
- Gross
- $81,410
- Federal
- $9,080
- FICA
- $6,228
- State + local
- $0
- Net
- $66,102
- Marginal federal rate
- 22.0%
- Marginal state rate
- 0.0%
2026 federal brackets (Rev. Proc. 2025-32) and 2026 state rules. Estimates assume wages are your only income and use annual liability, so your actual withholding can differ slightly.
Similar jobs
- Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster: $78,000
- Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operator: $77,320
- Subway and Streetcar Operator: $86,380
- Transportation Inspector: $92,100
- Captain: $92,460
- Wellhead Pumper: $69,960
- Railroad Brake: $68,840
- Crane and Tower Operator: $68,080
BLS occupation: Locomotive Engineers. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 53-4011). Excludes the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a locomotive engineer make an hour?
The median hourly wage is $39.14; the average is $41.30.
What is the salary range for a locomotive engineer?
The bottom 10% earn under $60,680 and the top 10% earn over $109,220 a year.
How much is $81,410 after taxes?
About $66,102 a year in Texas (no state income tax) or $61,717 in California for a single filer in 2026.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.