CDCareer Decision

Locomotive Engineers Salary in NC

In the 2025 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS dataset, Locomotive Engineers in NC have a median annual salary of $61,190, with 340 recorded jobs in this area. Recorded earnings range from $59,580 at the 10th percentile to $70,240 at the 90th percentile.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS · Data year: 2025 · Last updated: 2026-09-22

Salary overview

Median annual salary

$61,190

Data year: 2025

Hourly median

$29.42

Employment

340

Source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS

Salary distribution

$59,580
10th
$61,160
25th
$61,190
Median
$61,190
75th
$70,240
90th

Local compared with national

NC

$61,190

Median annual · 2025

United States

$81,410

Median annual · 2025

The NC median is 24.8% below the national median in the available dataset (a difference of $20,220).

Top skills

  1. 1.Operation and ControlImportance 4.3
  2. 2.Operations MonitoringImportance 4.1
  3. 3.MonitoringImportance 3.9
  4. 4.Critical ThinkingImportance 3.6
  5. 5.Active ListeningImportance 3.5
  6. 6.SpeakingImportance 3.4
  7. 7.Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3
  8. 8.Reading ComprehensionImportance 3.1
  9. 9.Active LearningImportance 3.0
  10. 10.CoordinationImportance 3.0
  11. 11.Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0
  12. 12.Time ManagementImportance 3.0

Career information

Education and experience

Experience
None
Job zone
2

Technology used

  • Electronic train management systems ETMS
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Route mapping software
  • Time tracking software

Common tasks

  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
  • Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
  • Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
  • Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
  • Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
  • Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
  • Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
  • Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.

Related careers

Occupations recorded as related in the dataset. A relationship does not imply a guaranteed transition.

Locomotive Engineers salary in other locations

Other occupations in NC