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Occupation · SOC 53-4011

Locomotive Engineers

There are 33,470 jobs in the U.S. Median pay is $81,410 a year. The most jobs are in Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TX.

TransportationTypical education: High school diploma or equivalent
33,470
Jobs in the U.S.
People employed, May 2025
$81,410
Median pay a year
Middle half: $75,190–$93,260
2,000
Annual openings
10-year change: +0.5%
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical education to enter

Metro areas with the highest employment

3 of 3 metro areas with BLS data for this occupation. LCA filings: Apr 2025–Mar 2026.

Metro areaEmploymentMedian payLCA filings
Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TXMedian pay $65,340 · LCA filings 0250$65,3400
Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands, TXMedian pay $57,140 · LCA filings 0100$57,1400
Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CAMedian pay $63,700 · LCA filings 040$63,7000

Metro areas with the highest median pay

Median pay for this occupation in each metro area, May 2025.

Metro areaMedian payEmploymentLCA filings
Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TXEmployment 250 · LCA filings 0$65,3402500
Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CAEmployment 40 · LCA filings 0$63,700400
Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands, TXEmployment 100 · LCA filings 0$57,1401000

Prevailing wage levels (H-1B and PERM)

The minimum yearly wage by level. Level I is entry level and Level IV is fully competent; an H-1B employer must pay at least the level that fits the job.

Metro areaLevel ILevel IILevel IIILevel IV
Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington, TXLevel II $56,971 · Level III $61,547 · Level IV $66,102$52,416$56,971$61,547$66,102
Houston–Pasadena–The Woodlands, TXLevel II $53,165 · Level III $57,387 · Level IV $61,630$48,922$53,165$57,387$61,630
Los Angeles–Long Beach–Anaheim, CALevel II $74,963 · Level III $98,030 · Level IV $121,118$51,875$74,963$98,030$121,118

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, OFLC Online Wage Library, July 2026–June 2027.

Related majors

Majors most closely related to this occupation. International graduates: 2024–25 academic year.

MajorInternational graduatesSTEM OPT
Ground TransportationCIP 49.02OPT · up to 12 months52OPT · up to 12 months

See Locomotive Engineers in every metro area

All 3 metro areas, pay in each, related majors, schools in each job market, and employers with LCA filing history.

Employers with LCA filings for this occupation

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Related occupations · Transportation

Stockers and Order FillersLaborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, HandHeavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck DriversLight Truck DriversIndustrial Truck and Tractor OperatorsPackers and Packagers, HandBus Drivers, SchoolFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Sources: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 · BLS Employment Projections 2025-35 · U.S. Department of Labor LCA disclosure data, Apr 2025–Mar 2026 · IPEDS 2024–25. Prevailing wages: U.S. Department of Labor, OFLC Online Wage Library, July 2026–June 2027. Methodology