📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Locomotive Engineer Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$112,862
per year
Median
$108,318
per year
Hourly
$54.26
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$75,814
25th Percentile — Junior$93,479
50th Percentile — Median$108,318
75th Percentile — Senior$133,225
90th Percentile — Top Earners$146,944
💡 Top-earning Locomotive Engineers in California make up to $146,944 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$102.2k
2021
$104.3k
2022
$106.4k
2023
$108.5k
2024
$110.6k
2025
$112.9k
2026
📈 Locomotive Engineer salaries in California have followed the national trend with 2.0% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Locomotive Engineer Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $174,936 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $167,036 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $194,123 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $208,795 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $121,891 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $137,692 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $163,650 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $121,891 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $160,264 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $158,007 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $144,463 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $133,177 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $174,936 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $133,177 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $126,405 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $137,692 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $129,791 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $167,036 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $180,579 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Locomotive Engineer Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Locomotive Engineers. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $112,862 per year, California's Locomotive Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $75,814–$93,479, while experienced Locomotive Engineers can command $133,225–$146,944.

Looking ahead, the Locomotive Engineer profession in California is projected to grow at 2.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Locomotive Engineer salary in California is $112,862 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $79,480.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Locomotive Engineers the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Locomotive Engineer employment.
  • At $112,862/year, California Locomotive Engineer salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $79,480/year.