Becoming a train driver can be a somewhat rewarding, long-term career choice, but how much does a train driver make? What is a train driver’s salary in 2023? Here is all you need to know.
The estimated total pay for a train driver in 2023 may vary across different countries and states in the US even more, depending on the candidate’s educational qualifications and previous experiences.
If you’re interested in a career as a train driver, it can help you fully understand what the job entails. In this section, we define the responsibilities and roles of a train driver, the essential skills required, and how to become one.
If you want to become a train driver, continue to read to find out how much a train driver earns per hour on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis.
Table of contents
What is a Train Driver Salary in the US?
How much does a train driver make?
An average train driver salary in the US can vary as factors such as location, educational qualifications, skills, and previous experiences may influence a train driver salary in the US.
However, an average train driver salary in the US is estimated at $23 per hour and between $57,003 – $77,000 per year.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average train driver salary in the US is an annual wage of $71,870 per year. This is above the annual wage for other occupations categorized as locomotive engineers as well as railroad workers in general whose average salary is $64,210.
The estimated train driver salary in the US per year is $57,003 per year – according to Glassdoor. This comes with an estimated additional pay of $13,468 per year which includes commissions, cash bonus, profit-sharing, and tips.
Train Driver Salary According to Cities in the US
What are the top highest paying cities for train Driver jobs in the US?
| City | Annual Salary |
| San Jose, CA | $58,446 |
| Jackson, WY | $57,930 |
| Oakland, CA | $57,841 |
| Hayward, CA | $56,737 |
| Vallejo, CA | $56,561 |
| Seattle, WA | $56,465 |
| Santa Barbara, CA | $56,037 |
| Sunnyvale, CA | $55,915 |
| Norwalk, CT | $55,829 |
| Wasilla, AK | $55,816 |
In addition, the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics figures shows that train drivers in states such as Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, California, and Minnesota earn higher train driver salary averages starting at and over $77,000 per year in each state.
While you’re here, you can check out: What To Put For Your Desired Salary on Your Job Application
Train Driver Overview in the US
Basically, a train driver is a mechanical operator who operates passengers or freight trains on a rail network. A train driver is also known as either an engineer driver, locomotive engineer, train engineer, or train operator.
What Does a Train Driver Do?
Primarily, a train driver is responsible for operating a locomotive to carry or transport passengers or freight between stations. Regardless of employer or state, a train driver’s responsibilities generally include:
- Driving long distances between points
- Driving defensively to ensure safety
- Keeping accurate account and count of gas usage, miles driven, and other data.
- Receiving and implementing train orders
- Inspecting the train and engine in preparation for a route
- Surveying the speed, air pressure as well as other operational measurements of the train.
- Heeding to the professional and federal rules and regulations relevant to train operations and safety.
- Monitoring the tracks ahead for obstructions and responding accordingly.
- Adhering to the electronic and manual signs along a route.
What are the Qualifications for Train Driver Jobs in the US?
These qualifications include both academic and skill qualifications to become a train driver in the US:
- High School diploma or GED equivalent
- Valid state driver’s license
- Have been driving for at least 5 years
- Must be 21 years and above
- Excellent communication skills
- Great time management skills
- Great customer attitude and attentiveness
- Ability to operate a vehicle for 8 hours
- Physically competent to lift 50 pounds
- Open to working nights and weekends
- Great organizational skills
- Decision-making skills
- Visual acuity
- Hand-eye coordination
- High concentration skills
Also, see: How To Negotiate Your Salary: 40 Negotiation Tips
How to Become a Train Driver in the US
You can follow these simple steps to become a train driver in the US:
1. Earn a high school diploma
The minimum education requirement to become a train driver in the United States of America is a high school diploma, the GED, or its equivalent. This demonstrates that you have the mental acuity to understand how locomotives work and how they are operated.
2. Apply for a railroad position
To become a train driver in the US, you will need to gain the position using your previous experiences.
So, suppose you are looking to begin a career in train driving in the US. In that case, you may need to first apply for entry-level positions to gain the practical knowledge about how railways work as well as gain the relevant experiences and skills needed to become a train driver.
You can find entry-level railway job positions on job search sites, in your area, or on job boards.
3. Apply for a train driver position
After you have gained the experiences required and also worked your way up to higher-level positions, you can apply for train driver positions.
4. Complete training
It is important to enroll for a training program as it will help to equip you with the technical skills and knowledge you require to become a train driver in the US.
These training usually cover topics ranging from industry and federal regulations, onboard systems, locomotive engines as well as handling trains in the various weather conditions.
5. Get certified
In the US, all train drivers are required to obtain the Federal Rail Road Administration certification/license. This comes after your training. It comprises completing a written knowledge and skill tests to assess your abilities for the position.
Once successfully certified, you are to complete a final test to assess your hearing and vision. Once this is cleared, you can become a train driver in the US.
Conclusion
Becoming a train driver in the US is a fun career to pursue if it interests you. It does not only follow a simple process to becoming one, it is also a lucrative career path in the US.
We hope this article answered the questions about train drivers as well as how much a train driver earns in the US.
FAQs Train Driver Salary in 2023
Train driver salary in the US
An average train driver salary in the US is estimated at $23 per hour and between $57,00 – $77,000 per year.
The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics figures shows that train drivers in states such as Nebraska, Montana, Missouri, California, and Minnesota earn higher train driver salary averages starting at and over $77,000 per year in each state.
The train driver’s retirement age is between 60 and 65.
References
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