Locomotive Engineer Salary in Washington (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Locomotive Engineers in Washington, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Washington Median
$73,750
per year
Hourly Rate
$35.46
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-9% vs US median
US median $81,410
State Rank
#29 of 35
1,120 employed here

How much does a Locomotive Engineer make in Washington?

A Locomotive Engineer working in Washington earns a median salary of $73,750 per year, or about $35.46 per hour. That is 9% below the national median of $81,410 for this occupation.

Within Washington, entry-level pay starts around $59,610 while the top 10% make $91,140 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $59,910 and $91,140 a year.

Locomotive Engineer salary range in Washington

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$59,610$28.66
25th percentile (early career)$59,910$28.80
50th percentile (median)$73,750$35.46
75th percentile (experienced)$91,140$43.82
90th percentile (top earners)$91,140$43.82

How Washington compares

Washington ranks 29th out of 35 states and territories for Locomotive Engineer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$109,220
2Massachusetts$108,790
3Mississippi$96,710
4Minnesota$93,700
5Illinois$93,320

Working as a Locomotive Engineer in Washington

Nationally, about 33,000 people work as Locomotive Engineers in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Washington pay ($73,750) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Locomotive Engineer make in Washington?
The median Locomotive Engineer salary in Washington is $73,750 per year, or about $35.46 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $59,610 at the entry level to $91,140 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Washington pay compare to the national average?
Washington pays Locomotive Engineers about 9% less than the national median of $81,410. Washington ranks 29th out of 35 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Washington a good state for Locomotive Engineers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $73,750 a year. About 1,120 Locomotive Engineers are employed in Washington. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Washington?
The highest-paying occupations in Washington include Cardiologist ($656,330), Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($553,310), Dermatologist ($526,170), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Locomotive Engineer salary report

Related salaries

Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

$58,640
median pay · 2,062,000 employed

Pump Operator, Except Wellhead Pumpers

$61,770
median pay · 10,000 employed

Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels

$92,460
median pay · 37,000 employed

Subway and Streetcar Operators

$86,380
median pay · 10,000 employed

Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators

$77,320
median pay · 4,000 employed

Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers

$60,600
median pay · 4,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.