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Average Locomotive Engineers Salary in Illinois

Locomotive Engineers in Illinois command an impressive average annual salary of $96,440, substantially outpacing the national average of $81,730. This elevated compensation is likely driven by the state's robust transportation infrastructure and the specialized demands of the role within Illinois's key logistical hubs.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,440 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $102,380.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,130 Locomotive Engineers and a Location Quotient of 1.69, Illinois demonstrates a strong concentration of these professionals. This indicates a healthy demand and a stable job market for individuals in this specialized field within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,440

The average Locomotive Engineers in Illinois earns+18.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.4

Weekly

$1,855

Monthly

$8,037

Locomotive Engineers Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career path for Locomotive Engineers typically involves significant salary progression. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but with accumulated experience and demonstrated proficiency, engineers can advance to senior roles, commanding salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$71,540$34.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$72,330$34.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$83,690$40.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$120,550$58
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$102,380$49.2

Detailed Locomotive Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,440

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$105,054

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $96,440 in Illinois offers considerable purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100. This suggests that the nominal salary translates into a higher real income, making Illinois an economically attractive location for Locomotive Engineers.

Job Market Context

2,130

Total Jobs

0.351

Per 1K Jobs

1.69

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Illinois has 1.7x the national concentration of Locomotive Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.69 signifies that Locomotive Engineers are more than 1.5 times more concentrated in Illinois than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market, where employers may offer higher wages to attract and retain skilled talent due to the higher density of these roles.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Locomotive Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Locomotive Engineers make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Illinois is $96,440. This typically ranges from $71,540 for entry-level positions to $102,380 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 18.0% higher than the national median of $81,730.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Locomotive Engineers?

Yes, Illinois is a lucrative state for Locomotive Engineers.Locomotive Engineers in Illinois earn significantly more than the national average, and the state's cost of living is below the national average, enhancing overall compensation value.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Locomotive Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

Locomotive Engineers in Illinois earn an average of $96,440 annually, which is approximately $14,710 higher than the national average salary of $81,730.

What is the concentration of Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?

Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.69 for Locomotive Engineers, meaning the profession is 69% more concentrated in the state compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect Locomotive Engineer salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average. This makes the higher average salary of $96,440 more valuable in terms of purchasing power.

What is the total number of Locomotive Engineers in Illinois?

There are approximately 2,130 Locomotive Engineers employed in Illinois, contributing to the state's significant presence in this occupation.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,130 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.351 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Locomotive Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois