Locomotive Engineers Salary in California (2025)
✓ Sourced directly from BLS OES · Checked for accuracy at every rebuild · First published: 2026-08-25 · Last updated: 2026-10-25
BLS OES May 2025 · SOC 53-4011As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Overview
The median wage for locomotive engineers in California is $77,070 per year (gross, before tax) — 5.3% below the US national median of $81,410 for this occupation. Figures are from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Around 2,000 people work in this occupation in California. Negotiating an offer in California? A good salary negotiation guide helps you make the case for the upper percentiles.
California Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual (gross) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $52,260 | Entry level / lowest decile |
| 25th | $74,370 | Early career |
| 50th (median) | $77,070 | Typical pay |
| 75th | $79,940 | Experienced |
| 90th | $79,940 | Senior / highest decile |
Career Essentials
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Start $1 Trial →How California Compares
| State | Median salary | vs national |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $109,220 | +34.2% |
| Massachusetts | $108,790 | +33.6% |
| Mississippi | $96,710 | +18.8% |
| Minnesota | $93,700 | +15.1% |
| Illinois | $93,320 | +14.6% |
| Indiana | $92,790 | +14.0% |
| Florida | $92,310 | +13.4% |
| Oklahoma | $91,970 | +13.0% |
| Virginia | $90,780 | +11.5% |
| Montana | $90,220 | +10.8% |
| California | $77,070 | -5.3% |
All states for locomotive engineers →
Recommended Gear & Prep
Interviewing in California? Interview prep books cover the common question sets.
All salaries in California · UK data for this occupation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a locomotive engineers in California?
The median salary in California is $77,070 per year (gross, before tax), based on BLS OES May 2025 data. The mean is $75,600.
How does California pay compare to the US national average?
California is 5.3% below the US national median of $81,410 for this occupation.
Which US state pays locomotive engineers the most?
New York has the highest median pay for this occupation at $109,220 per year. See the state comparison table above for more.
Data: BLS OES, May 2025 · Page built 2026-10-25