Hi folks,
It seems like there are a few engineers among the forum contingent. Can anyone tell me the starting annual pay for a locomotive engineer and then where it peaks as a person gains more seniority / experience.
Thx
DbtStack
Depending on the RR, and union contract, probably right around $60,000 to 80,000 per year. But don’t forget, that payola comes at a price! 75% of your life is spent at away terminals, and when the phone rings, you better answer…
Todd C.
Thanks much.
it also depends a lot on the distance of your run and whether you are on a guaranteed extra-board, regular turn, switch engine, local (or dodger), etc. Also, guys (gals) hired before 1985 make quite a bit more than those hired after 85. Staying marked up (available for work) helps increase it by quite a bit to, generally speaking, you don’t get paid for marking off (except for personal leave days and vacation)
I would put the range a little lower, of course it depends upon job assignments to a large degree. I would look at $50,000 to perhaps $80,000. You can make more money by being available for additional work or take a spot on the Extra List. Of course, the more you choose to work the less time or predictability your life will have. There is a very delicate balance. Wives don’t last long in this line of work…
LC
Hi folks,
It seems like there are a few engineers among the forum contingent. Can anyone tell me the starting annual pay for a locomotive engineer and then where it peaks as a person gains more seniority / experience.
Thx
DbtStack
Depending on the RR, and union contract, probably right around $60,000 to 80,000 per year. But don’t forget, that payola comes at a price! 75% of your life is spent at away terminals, and when the phone rings, you better answer…
Todd C.
Thanks much.
it also depends a lot on the distance of your run and whether you are on a guaranteed extra-board, regular turn, switch engine, local (or dodger), etc. Also, guys (gals) hired before 1985 make quite a bit more than those hired after 85. Staying marked up (available for work) helps increase it by quite a bit to, generally speaking, you don’t get paid for marking off (except for personal leave days and vacation)
I would put the range a little lower, of course it depends upon job assignments to a large degree. I would look at $50,000 to perhaps $80,000. You can make more money by being available for additional work or take a spot on the Extra List. Of course, the more you choose to work the less time or predictability your life will have. There is a very delicate balance. Wives don’t last long in this line of work…
LC