How much does a train driver make in the United States?
This is the median gross salary: half earn more and half earn less. That is $6,535 a month.
- Approx. take-home per month
- $5,310
- Compared with the median pay in the United States
- 1.5 times
- Data from
- 2025
Where the United States ranks among 144 countries
Each line is a country, on a log scale from $100 to $200,000 a year.
In other countries
Median gross salary a year, in dollars.
| 1. Iceland estimate | $102,200 |
| 2. United Kingdom | $102,200 |
| 3. Belgium estimate | $98,690 |
| 7. Denmark estimate | $79,510 |
| 8. United States | $78,420 |
| 9. Norway estimate | $77,420 |
| 144. Nigeria estimate | $567 |
Similar jobs
Plant and machine operators and assemblers
- Signalman$76,490
- Motorcyle courier$37,720
- Taxi driver$42,530
- Bus driver$48,860
- Truck driver$58,640
- Farm equipment operator$47,250
- Earthmoving and related plant operators$59,120
- Crane operators$38,950
By state
Median gross salary a year.
| Massachusetts | $108,800 |
| New York | $102,600 |
| Mississippi | $96,710 |
| Alaska | $93,130 |
| Montana | $90,220 |
| Minnesota | $90,200 |
| Maryland | $90,140 |
| South Carolina | $88,650 |
| Virginia | $87,310 |
| Illinois | $87,230 |
See all 41 states
| Arizona | $86,890 |
| Colorado | $86,130 |
| New Mexico | $85,370 |
| Iowa | $85,320 |
| Wisconsin | $84,550 |
| Indiana | $84,230 |
| New Jersey | $81,980 |
| Nevada | $81,440 |
| Florida | $80,820 |
| Tennessee | $79,250 |
| Oregon | $79,130 |
| Oklahoma | $78,710 |
| Washington | $78,100 |
| Pennsylvania | $76,870 |
| Texas | $75,440 |
| Arkansas | $74,880 |
| Kansas | $72,570 |
| Missouri | $72,340 |
| West Virginia | $71,350 |
| Kentucky | $71,140 |
| California | $70,830 |
| New Hampshire | $70,670 |
| South Dakota | $69,180 |
| Ohio | $66,710 |
| Alabama | $66,030 |
| Georgia | $64,300 |
| Michigan | $61,730 |
| Louisiana | $60,480 |
| North Carolina | $60,210 |
| Utah | $58,610 |
| Wyoming | $52,010 |
Jobs in this group in the United States
Official name of each one and its median salary a year.
| Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 |
| Railroad Brake | $68,840 |
| Subway and Streetcar Operator | $86,380 |
| Loading and Moving Machine Operator | $74,500 |
| Rail Yard Engineer | $60,600 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a train driver make a month in the United States?
The median gross salary is $6,535 a month, $78,420 a year.
How much does a train driver make starting out and with experience?
The lowest-paid 10%, usually people starting out, make around $56,610 a year; the top 10%, with experience or senior roles, make more than $102,700.
Which country pays a train driver the most?
United Kingdom, with a median of $102,200 a year before tax, according to our data.
Which state pays a train driver the most?
Massachusetts, with a median of $108,800 a year.
Does a train driver make more in the United States or in Germany?
In the United States: $78,420 a year against $56,950 in Germany, 1.4 times more.
Who makes more, a train driver or a motorcyle courier?
A train driver: $78,420 a year against $37,720 for a motorcyle courier, 2.1 times more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS survey, 2025. How we calculate