Careers · Locomotive Engineers · Iowa
Locomotive Engineers in Iowa
Locomotive engineers operate electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to move passengers or freight across rail networks. They interpret train orders, signals, and railroad regulations to safely guide trains along established routes In Iowa the median pay is $89,970 a year, 11% above the national median of $81,410.
$89,970median pay in Iowa, per year
$74,850–$92,170middle half earn
1,000employed in Iowa
$81,410U.S. median, for comparison
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against locomotive engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against locomotive engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
What it takes
Preparation: Some preparation (usually high school; some on-the-job training).
Skills that matter most
Operation and ControlOperations MonitoringMonitoringCritical ThinkingActive ListeningSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingReading Comprehension
Knowledge areas
TransportationPublic Safety and SecurityMechanicalMathematics (knowledge)Customer and Personal ServiceEducation and Training
Full profile, interests that fit, certifications and training: Locomotive Engineers.
Licenses and training in Iowa
Locomotive Engineers pay in other states
New York · $109,220Massachusetts · $108,790Mississippi · $96,710Minnesota · $93,700Illinois · $93,320Indiana · $92,790Florida · $92,310Oklahoma · $91,970Virginia · $90,780Montana · $90,220
Related occupations
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and HostlersRailroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive FirersRailroad Conductors and YardmastersSubway and Streetcar OperatorsRail Transportation Workers, All OtherAircraft Cargo Handling SupervisorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Helpers, Laborers, and Material Movers, HandRecycling Coordinators
Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against locomotive engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against locomotive engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 53-4011.00. Pay: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Iowa, annual.