The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the average yearly pay for Locomotive Engineers is $72,940, compared to the average annual salary of $66,990 for Railroad Conductors. This indicates that the salaries for these two occupations are similar.
Keep in mind, however, that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For instance, Locomotive Engineers in Washington may have higher earnings (averaging $86,750 per year) compared to those in South Carolina ($52,770). As another example, the average salary of Railroad Conductors in Nebraska is 71% higher than those in South Carolina.
Locomotive Engineers vs Railroad Conductors overview
Locomotive Engineers and Railroad Conductors are fundamental to the Rail Transportation industry. Many people are interested in understanding the differences between these occupations, as well as the average pay for each.
Locomotive Engineer job description
Locomotive Engineers drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.
Locomotive Engineer education and experience
The majority of Locomotive Engineers (68%) have obtained a High School Diploma. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Post-Secondary Certificate (23%) and a College Course Certificate (7%). With regard to experience, about a third of Locomotive Engineer jobs require a 1 to 2 years of work-related experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (25%) do not require any previous experience.
Locomotive Engineer average salary
As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2021, the number of Locomotive Engineers employed in the United States was 38,980, and they earned an average of $72,940 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $48,780 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $84,120 or more. The average salary has grown by 3.2% compared the previous year.
Do Locomotive Engineers make good money?
The average salary of Locomotive Engineers is about a quarter higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). On the other hand, they earn 2% more than the average wage of the Rail Transportation industry ($71,860).
The average salary of Locomotive Engineers is about a quarter higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Locomotive Engineers job growth
There has been a growth in the number of Locomotive Engineers being hired over the last two years. In 2021, there have been 1,870 more positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 5%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been 3.8%.
Railroad Conductor job description
Alternative names: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Railroad Conductors coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Railroad Conductor education and experience
In order to become a Railroad Conductor, a person typically must obtain a High School Diploma. However this occupation also includes some employees who have a Post-Secondary Certificate (8%) and an Associate's Degree (6%). With regard to experience, more than half of Railroad Conductor jobs do not require any previous experience. A smaller percentage of jobs (11%) require a previous experience of 1 to 2 years.
Railroad Conductor average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Railroad Conductors employed by the United States in 2021 was 48,030, and they earned an average of $66,990 per year. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $48,950 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $82,460 or more. The average salary has increased by 2.4% compared the previous year.
Do Railroad Conductors make good money?
The average salary of Railroad Conductors is 15% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). On the other hand, they earn 7% less than the average wage of the Rail Transportation industry ($71,860).
The average salary of Railroad Conductors is 15% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Railroad Conductors job growth
In 2021, there have been 3,110 more Railroad Conductor positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a rise of 6.9%. Job growth has averaged 4.4% for the last 3 years.
FAQ
Do Locomotive Engineers or Railroad Conductors make more?
These two professions have salaries that are similar. On average, Railroad Conductors make $66,990 per year, while Locomotive Engineers make $72,940.
How long does it take to become a Locomotive Engineer vs Railroad Conductor?
Both Locomotive Engineers and Railroad Conductors typically only need a High School Diploma, so further education is not required.
Is it harder to become a Locomotive Engineer vs Railroad Conductor?
The difficulty of achieving either job title is similar, as they both require the same level of education.