How much does a Train Engineer make?
Train engineers play a vital role in the transportation industry. They operate trains and ensure safe, timely travel for passengers and goods. The average yearly salary for a train engineer is $88,688. This figure reflects the skill and responsibility needed for the job.
The salary range for train engineers can vary. The lowest 10% earn less than $40,000 a year. The top 10% earn more than $185,900 annually. Most train engineers fall between these two points. Their earnings depend on experience, location, and the company they work for. Many train engineers also receive benefits like health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. These benefits add to the overall value of the job.
What are the highest paying cities for a Train Engineer?

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Dallas, TX
Average Salary: $162,179
In Dallas, professionals can find rewarding roles with major rail companies. The city's growing economy offers many opportunities for career advancement. Companies like Union Pacific and BNSF Railway are prominent employers.
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Hartford, CT
Average Salary: $149,214
Hartford provides a stable environment for those in the rail industry. The state's investment in infrastructure creates a steady demand for skilled engineers. Major employers include Amtrak and Connecticut Department of Transportation.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $135,486
San Diego offers a dynamic job market for rail professionals. The city's focus on public transportation makes it an exciting place to work. Companies like Pacific Surfliner and Coaster provide excellent career opportunities.
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Charlotte, NC
Average Salary: $128,669
Charlotte is a hub for rail operations in the Southeast. The city's expanding transit system offers many job openings. Employers like Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation are key players in the industry.
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Atlanta, GA
Average Salary: $128,438
Atlanta's rail industry is thriving, thanks to its role as a major transportation center. The city's growth leads to many job opportunities. Companies such as CSX and Norfolk Southern are prominent employers.
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Denver, CO
Average Salary: $114,323
Denver offers a unique mix of urban and outdoor opportunities for rail workers. The city's commitment to public transit creates a stable job market. Employers like BNSF Railway and Union Pacific are well-known in the industry.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $106,938
Washington, DC, provides a rich environment for rail professionals. The city's focus on public transportation offers many career paths. Major employers include Amtrak and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.
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Chicago, IL
Average Salary: $102,295
Chicago is a major center for rail operations in the Midwest. The city's extensive transit system offers numerous job opportunities. Companies like Amtrak and Metra provide excellent career prospects.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $96,853
Los Angeles offers a vibrant job market for rail professionals. The city's large population and transit needs create many opportunities. Employers like Metro and Amtrak are key players in the industry.
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St. Louis, MO
Average Salary: $89,583
St. Louis provides a stable and rewarding environment for rail workers. The city's focus on transportation infrastructure creates many job openings. Companies like BNSF Railway and Amtrak are prominent employers.
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What are the best companies a Train Engineer can work for?

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The Hartford
Average Salary: $149,333
The Hartford offers competitive salaries for Train Engineers. They operate across the United States, providing opportunities in various locations. Engineers work on modern trains, ensuring safety and efficiency.
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synchrony
Average Salary: $147,500
Synchrony provides a high average salary for Train Engineers. They have locations across the country, offering diverse experiences. Engineers here focus on maintaining and improving rail systems.
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CPKC
Average Salary: $91,410
CPKC offers a solid average salary for Train Engineers. They operate in Canada and the United States, providing a mix of urban and rural experiences. Engineers work on long-haul routes, ensuring smooth operations.
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Progress Rail
Average Salary: $68,621
Progress Rail offers a good average salary for Train Engineers. They have locations across the U.S., providing various opportunities. Engineers work on a range of projects, from maintenance to new developments.
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Amtrak
Average Salary: $67,168
Amtrak offers a respectable average salary for Train Engineers. They operate nationwide, offering diverse routes. Engineers here focus on passenger safety and comfort, with many routes across the country.
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The Prairie Line
Average Salary: $62,147
The Prairie Line provides a decent average salary for Train Engineers. They operate in the Midwest, offering a mix of urban and rural experiences. Engineers work on freight and passenger trains, ensuring reliable service.
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Savage
Average Salary: $47,456
Savage offers a fair average salary for Train Engineers. They operate in the U.S., providing various opportunities. Engineers here focus on maintenance and operations, with a strong emphasis on safety.
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Heidelberg Materials
Average Salary: $47,000
Heidelberg Materials offers a competitive average salary for Train Engineers. They have locations across the U.S., providing diverse experiences. Engineers work on transporting materials, ensuring timely delivery.
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Watco
Average Salary: $45,946
Watco provides a good average salary for Train Engineers. They operate in the U.S., offering various opportunities. Engineers here focus on freight operations, ensuring efficient transport of goods.
How to earn more as a Train Engineer?
Becoming a Train Engineer can lead to a rewarding career. To earn more in this role, consider these key factors. Each one plays a part in increasing your potential earnings. Understanding these can help you make informed decisions about your career path.
First, gaining experience is crucial. More experienced engineers often earn higher salaries. Working in different environments and with various types of trains can build your skills. This experience makes you more valuable to employers. Second, obtaining certifications can boost your pay. Specialized certifications in safety, technology, or specific train types can set you apart. These certifications show employers you have advanced skills. Third, pursuing higher education can lead to higher earnings. Some employers prefer or require a degree in engineering or a related field. This education can lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.
Fourth, working for larger companies can increase your salary. Larger companies often have more resources and can offer higher wages. They may also provide better benefits and more opportunities for advancement. Fifth, relocating to areas with higher demand for train engineers can lead to better pay. Some regions have a greater need for skilled engineers. Moving to these areas can open up higher-paying job opportunities. Each of these factors can help you earn more as a Train Engineer.
Consider these factors to enhance your career and earnings. Taking steps to gain experience, obtain certifications, pursue education, work for larger companies, and relocate can make a big difference. These actions can lead to a more successful and rewarding career.
- Gain experience in different environments and with various types of trains.
- Obtain certifications in safety, technology, or specific train types.
- Pursue higher education in engineering or a related field.
- Work for larger companies with more resources and better opportunities.
- Relocate to areas with higher demand for train engineers.