Estimate · based on BLS national data

Locomotive Engineers in North Dakota

$79,028 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$37.99 per hour

▼ 8.0% below U.S. average34th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$79,028per year
Median$74,897per year
Hourly$37.99per hour
10th – 90th percentile$58,059 – $92,443per year

Locomotive Engineers Pay Range in North Dakota

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$58,059
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$66,990
  • 50th Percentile — Median$74,897
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$87,085
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$92,443

Half of Locomotive Engineers in North Dakota earn more than $74,897. The top 10% make $92,443 or more, while entry-level workers start around $58,059.

Locomotive Engineers in North Dakota: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • North Dakota ranks 34th of 51 states for Locomotive Engineers pay, at $79,028 per year (8.0% below the U.S. average of $85,900).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $58,059; the top 10% earn over $92,443.
  • Hourly equivalent: $37.99 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $133,145.
  • Among transportation jobs in North Dakota, Airline Pilots Copilots and Flight Engineers pays the most ($265,558).

Locomotive Engineers Job Market in North Dakota

Key factors affecting compensation

North Dakota's key industries are Energy, Agriculture, Manufacturing, and its job market is rated strong. Locomotive Engineers here earn $79,028 on average, placing the state 34th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.92 (U.S. = 1.00), a North Dakota salary of $79,028 is roughly equivalent to $85,900 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, South Carolina ($83,100), Georgia ($79,887), Idaho ($79,887) are the closest alternatives for Locomotive Engineers weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

Related career salary benchmarks

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Locomotive Engineers salary in North Dakota?

The average Locomotive Engineers salary in North Dakota is $79,028 per year (median $74,897), which is 8.0% below the national average of $85,900.

How does North Dakota rank for Locomotive Engineers pay?

North Dakota ranks 34th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is Hawaii ($133,145/yr).

How much do entry-level Locomotive Engineers make in North Dakota?

The lowest-paid 10% of Locomotive Engineers in North Dakota earn about $58,059 per year and the 25th percentile is $66,990.

How much do Locomotive Engineers make per hour in North Dakota?

About $37.99 per hour, based on the $79,028 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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