Position
Salary

How much does a Train Engineer make?

The average salary for a Train Engineer is $97,224 per year in the US.

Train Engineers enjoy a rewarding career path with a solid salary. On average, they earn around $97,224 per year. This figure helps to showcase the value and skill level that Train Engineers bring to the job market.

The salary range for Train Engineers spans quite a bit. The lowest 10 percent earn about $38,000 annually, while the top 10 percent make close to $190,000 per year. This range highlights the potential for growth and the benefits of experience and advanced qualifications in the field.

Here is a closer look at the salary distribution for Train Engineers:

  • Bottom 10 percent: $38,000
  • Next 10 percent: $51,818
  • Next 10 percent: $65,636
  • Next 10 percent: $79,455
  • Next 10 percent: $93,273
  • Next 10 percent: $107,091
  • Next 10 percent: $120,909
  • Next 10 percent: $134,727
  • Next 10 percent: $148,545
  • Next 10 percent: $162,364
  • Top 10 percent: $190,000
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What are the highest paying cities for a Train Engineer?

Train Engineer jobs offer competitive pay across many U.S. cities. Hartford, CT, leads with an average salary of $152,315. Other top-paying cities include Dallas, TX, and Charlotte, NC, where Train Engineers can earn over $137,000 annually. Atlanta, GA, Colorado Springs, CO, and Los Angeles, CA, also provide attractive salary options.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Train Engineer jobs, highlighting Hartford, CT with the highest at $152,315 and Cedar Rapids, IA with the lowest at $94,902.
  1. Hartford, CT
    Average Salary: $152,315
    In Hartford, those in the rail industry enjoy a thriving environment with major companies like Amtrak. The city offers a mix of urban and suburban settings, making it easy to find a comfortable living situation. Opportunities for career advancement are plentiful, with many paths to specialize in different areas of train operations.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Hartford, CT


  2. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $151,731
    Dallas is a hub for train operations, with companies like Union Pacific providing numerous job opportunities. The city's growth and development mean there are many projects and new lines to work on. The dynamic work environment and the chance to be part of significant expansions make it an exciting place for train professionals.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Dallas, TX


  3. Charlotte, NC
    Average Salary: $137,962
    Charlotte offers a mix of urban and rural areas, providing a unique work environment for those in the rail industry. Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation are key employers here. The city's economic growth brings many opportunities for career development and professional advancement.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Charlotte, NC


  4. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $127,630
    Atlanta's rail industry is booming with major companies like Norfolk Southern. The city's central location makes it a key transportation hub. Job seekers will find a variety of roles and chances to work on cutting-edge projects, enhancing their career prospects.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Atlanta, GA


  5. Colorado Springs, CO
    Average Salary: $120,841
    Colorado Springs offers scenic views and a strong rail industry presence with BNSF Railway. The area's lower cost of living compared to other cities makes it an attractive place to work. Employees benefit from a supportive community and a range of outdoor activities.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Colorado Springs, CO


  6. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $111,779
    Los Angeles has a vibrant rail scene with companies like Metro and Amtrak. The city's diverse culture and large population create a dynamic work environment. Job seekers can find a variety of roles, from operations to maintenance, with many opportunities for career growth.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  7. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $108,823
    Washington, DC, offers a mix of government and private sector opportunities in the rail industry. Amtrak and other companies provide many job openings. The city's central location and rich history offer a unique backdrop for professionals in the field.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Washington, DC


  8. Chicago, IL
    Average Salary: $108,674
    Chicago is a major hub for rail operations, with companies like Metra and Amtrak. The city's diverse economy and rich history provide a stimulating environment for professionals. Opportunities for advancement and specialization are abundant, making it an excellent place for career growth.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL


  9. St. Louis, MO
    Average Salary: $102,774
    St. Louis offers a blend of urban and suburban living, with a strong rail industry presence. Companies like BNSF Railway provide many job opportunities. The city's central location and lower cost of living make it an attractive place for professionals to build their careers.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in St. Louis, MO


  10. Cedar Rapids, IA
    Average Salary: $94,902
    Cedar Rapids is home to a growing rail industry with companies like C&NW. The city's family-friendly environment and lower cost of living are appealing to job seekers. Opportunities for career development and professional growth are plentiful in this supportive community.
    Find Train Engineer jobs in Cedar Rapids, IA

What are the best companies a Train Engineer can work for?

Leidos offers one of the best-paying jobs for Train Engineers, with an average salary of $159,964. The Hartford also provides a competitive salary of around $158,000 for this role. Amtrak and Watco follow with average salaries of $70,423 and $45,426, respectively. These figures highlight the range of opportunities available for those seeking high earnings in train engineering positions.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Train Engineer jobs, highlighting Leidos with the highest at $159,964 and Watco with the lowest at $45,426.
  1. Leidos
    Average Salary: $159,964
    Leidos offers exciting opportunities for Train Engineers. They focus on technology and engineering solutions. The company operates nationwide. Engineers can work on large-scale projects across many states.


  2. The Hartford
    Average Salary: $158,000
    The Hartford is a leading insurance company with Train Engineer roles. They value safety and reliability in their operations. The company's operations cover many regions in the United States, providing engineers with diverse experiences.


  3. Amtrak
    Average Salary: $70,423
    Amtrak provides dynamic opportunities for Train Engineers. They operate passenger and freight rail services across the country. Engineers can work in various locations, ensuring smooth train operations.


  4. Watco
    Average Salary: $45,426
    Watco offers a chance for Train Engineers to join a growing company. They focus on freight rail services. The company operates in multiple states, offering engineers the chance to work in different environments.

How to earn more as a Train Engineer?

A career as a Train Engineer offers several paths to increase your earnings. Focusing on specific areas can lead to greater financial rewards. One key factor is gaining more experience. As engineers accumulate years of service, they often qualify for higher pay grades. Each additional year on the job can lead to better wages.

Another way to increase earnings is through education and certification. Engineers who obtain advanced certifications or degrees can earn more. Specializing in high-demand areas, such as freight or hazardous materials, can also lead to higher pay. Taking on leadership roles, such as a Senior Engineer or a Training Supervisor, offers another path to higher salaries. Lastly, working overtime or in different shifts can boost income. Each of these factors plays a crucial role in earning more as a Train Engineer.

To provide a clear overview, here are the top five factors to consider:

  1. Gain more experience on the job
  2. Obtain advanced education and certifications
  3. Specialize in high-demand areas
  4. Take on leadership roles
  5. Work overtime or different shifts

Currently 125 Train Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Train Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Train Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Train Engineer today.
Position
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Train Engineer
125 Job Openings