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Average Locomotive Engineers Salary in Tennessee

Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee are earning an impressive average annual salary of $88,200, which is notably higher than the national average of $81,730. This elevated compensation likely reflects the specific demands and operational needs of the rail industry within the state, potentially influenced by freight volume, infrastructure complexity, and the specialized skill set required for this critical role.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $88,200 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,490.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 610 Locomotive Engineers and a Location Quotient of 0.9, Tennessee presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration, job market for this profession. The figure of 0.187 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent, though not rapidly expanding, demand, indicating a steady employment landscape for skilled professionals in this sector within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$88,200

The average Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee earns+7.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$42.4

Weekly

$1,696

Monthly

$7,350

Locomotive Engineers Salary Distribution in Tennessee

The career path for Locomotive Engineers typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can expect to earn substantially more. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries, often reflected in salary percentile data, signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$58,070$27.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$66,150$31.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$76,290$36.7
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$110,250$53
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,490$47.4

Detailed Locomotive Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$88,200

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$97,566

Adjusted for COL (90.4)

The average annual salary of $88,200 in Tennessee offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 90.4. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and transportation are generally more affordable. Consequently, the nominal salary translates into a higher real income, making Tennessee an economically attractive location for Locomotive Engineers.

Job Market Context

610

Total Jobs

0.187

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Tennessee has 0.90x the national average concentration of Locomotive Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that Locomotive Engineers are employed in Tennessee at a rate very close to the national average. This suggests that the job market is neither significantly over-saturated nor unusually scarce for this profession within the state. It implies a balanced demand relative to the national employment landscape, offering a predictable environment for job seekers and existing professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Locomotive Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Locomotive Engineers make in Tennessee?

The median annual salary for a Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee is $88,200. This typically ranges from $58,070 for entry-level positions to $98,490 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tennessee is 7.9% higher than the national median of $81,730.

Is Tennessee a lucrative place for Locomotive Engineers?

Yes, Tennessee offers a lucrative environment for Locomotive Engineers.Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee earn an average of $88,200 annually, exceeding the national average, and benefit from a cost of living that is below the national average, enhancing their overall financial well-being.

Is Tennessee a good place to live for Locomotive Engineers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

How does Tennessee's average Locomotive Engineer salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee is $88,200, which is approximately 8% higher than the national average of $81,730.

What is the concentration of Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee compared to the rest of the country?

Tennessee has a Location Quotient of 0.9 for Locomotive Engineers, indicating a concentration that is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally dense employment market for this role.

How does the cost of living in Tennessee affect the salary of a Locomotive Engineer?

With a Cost of Living Index of 90.4, Tennessee is more affordable than the national average. This means the $88,200 salary provides greater purchasing power for Locomotive Engineers residing in the state.

What does the job market look like for Locomotive Engineers in Tennessee?

The job market is stable, with a local workforce of 610 and a job density of 0.187 per 1,000 workers, indicating consistent opportunities without extreme competition.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 610 employees in the Tennessee area with a job density of 0.187 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 Tennessee