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Average Locomotive Engineers Salary in Iowa

Locomotive Engineers in Iowa earn an impressive average annual salary of $82,020, slightly surpassing the national average of $81,730. This favorable compensation is influenced by Iowa's specific economic landscape and the demand for skilled transportation professionals within the state's robust agricultural and industrial sectors.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $82,020 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $93,140.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,520 Locomotive Engineers and a Location Quotient of 4.68, Iowa demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This indicates a strong and established demand for their expertise within the state, suggesting a robust job market for this specialized role.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$82,020

The average Locomotive Engineers in Iowa earns+0.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$39.4

Weekly

$1,577

Monthly

$6,835

Locomotive Engineers Salary Distribution in Iowa

The career trajectory for Locomotive Engineers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as engineers gain proficiency, accumulate hours, and take on more complex responsibilities, their earning potential escalates considerably, with senior roles commanding top-tier compensation reflecting their expertise and value.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$72,950$35.1
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$61,515$29.6
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$87,550$42.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$102,525$49.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$93,140$44.8

Detailed Locomotive Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$82,020

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$91,438

Adjusted for COL (89.7)

The average annual salary of $82,020 in Iowa offers excellent purchasing power, especially when contrasted with the state's Cost of Living Index of 89.7, which is below the national average of 100. This means that the nominal salary translates into a higher real income, allowing Locomotive Engineers to enjoy a better standard of living and greater financial flexibility.

Job Market Context

1,520

Total Jobs

0.972

Per 1K Jobs

4.68

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Iowa has 4.7x 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.

Iowa's Location Quotient of 4.68 for Locomotive Engineers signifies a highly concentrated job market, indicating that the state employs a disproportionately larger number of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment for new entrants but also a stable and abundant market for experienced individuals seeking opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Locomotive Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Locomotive Engineers make in Iowa?

The median annual salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Iowa is $82,020. This typically ranges from $72,950 for entry-level positions to $93,140 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Iowa is 0.4% higher than the national median of $81,730.

Is Iowa a lucrative place for Locomotive Engineers?

Yes, Iowa offers a lucrative environment for Locomotive Engineers.The average salary in Iowa exceeds the national average, and the significantly lower cost of living further enhances the financial benefits of working in the state.

Is Iowa a good place to live for Locomotive Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 89.7 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does the number of Locomotive Engineers in Iowa compare nationally?

Iowa has 1,520 Locomotive Engineers, and with a Location Quotient of 4.68, the state has a much higher concentration of these professionals than the national average.

What is the cost of living for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?

The cost of living in Iowa is 2.3% lower than the national average, with an index of 89.7, making the $82,020 salary more valuable.

Are there many job opportunities for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa?

The high Location Quotient of 4.68 suggests a strong demand and a well-established presence of Locomotive Engineers in Iowa, indicating good market stability.

How does experience affect Locomotive Engineer salaries in Iowa?

As with most professions, experience significantly boosts earning potential for Locomotive Engineers in Iowa, with senior roles commanding higher salaries than entry-level positions.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,520 employees in the Iowa area with a job density of 0.972 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 Iowa