Locomotive Engineers pay in California

In California, the median pay for locomotive engineers is $37.06 an hour ($77,070 a year). About 1,570 people work in this job there.

$37.06Median hourly pay
$74,370–$79,940Middle half of workers, yearly
1,570People in this job in California

That is 5% lower than the U.S. median ($81,410). California ranks 27th of 35 states and territories for this job’s median pay.

Pay range for locomotive engineers in California

Earns more thanHourlyYearly
10% of workers$25.13$52,260
25% of workers$35.76$74,370
Half of workers (median)$37.06$77,070
75% of workers$38.43$79,940
90% of workers$38.43$79,940

Locomotive Engineers pay in California metro areas

Metro areaMedian yearly payPeople in this job
Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim$63,70040

California unemployment rate: 5.1% (August 2026), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education, experience and outlook for locomotive engineers

  • Typical education to start: High school diploma or equivalent (BLS)
  • Related work experience most have: Up to 1 month (O*NET)
  • Experience usually needed to start: Less than 5 years (BLS)
  • Training on the job: Moderate-term on-the-job training (BLS)
  • Job outlook: +0.5% over ten years, little or no change · about 2,000 openings a year (BLS)

Related jobs in California

JobMedian yearly pay
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$60,230
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$87,160
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$73,950
Transportation Inspectors$83,000
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters$69,950
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers$58,770
Subway and Streetcar Operators$78,680
Ship Engineers$97,660

Other job titles for this job

TrainmasterTransportation SpecialistRailroad EngineerDiesel Locomotive EngineerFreight EngineerNarrow Gauge EngineerOperator EngineerPassenger Locomotive EngineerPilot Fuel EngineerRailroad Operating EngineerRailway EngineerSteam Locomotive Engineer

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates. Figures are for wage and salary workers and do not include the self-employed. The median is the middle wage: half earn more, half earn less. Other job titles: O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. JAI Bot has modified this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.