Locomotive Engineers

Also Called: Locomotive Engineer, Railroad Engineer, Transportation Specialist

High School Diploma/GED

usually needed

Not Available
(Students Only)
Match Percentage

$59,450

Entry Salary

Below Average

Job outlook

What Locomotive Engineers do

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

  • Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
  • Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
Industry Areas:

Transportation

Expand For Additional Details

Work Context

  • Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Face-to-Face Discussions
  • Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment

Tools

  • Screwdrivers
  • Rail switching systems
  • Electric freight locomotives
  • Train braking systems
  • Diesel freight locomotives

Technology

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Expert system software
Electronic train management systems ETMS
Word processing software
Microsoft Word

The Education & Training You Need

Skills

  • Operation and Control
  • Operation Monitoring
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Monitoring

Knowledge

Transportation
movement of people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Education and Training
teaching and course design

Education

  • 68% High school diploma or equivalent
  • 23% Post-secondary certificate
  • 7% Some college, no degree

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.

What are some related occupations at different educational levels?


Locomotive Engineers Currently Selected

Educational Level

High School Diploma or Equivalent

 Job Training Match

Crane & Tower Operators

Educational Level

Post-secondary, non-degree

 Job Training Match

First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades & Extraction Workers

Educational Level

Associate's Degree

Transportation Engineers

Educational Level

Bachelor's Degree

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Educational Level

Advanced Degree

What are your training options on the pathway to this occupation?

Advanced Training

There are currently no advanced training opportunities for this career.

ACT & College

  • Alamance Community College

    Graham, NC

  • Allan Hancock College

    Santa Maria, CA

Apprenticeships

Earn while you learn. Apprenticeships combines paid training & specialized classes to help workers enter highly skilled occupations. Click here for to locate an apprenticeship near you.

Military

The Military offers exciting career opportunities that align with your interests. Click here to explore military careers and find a recruiter near you.

Are You a Good Fit?

Occupation Traits

    • Conventional (Organizer)
    • Realistic (Doer)

Work Styles

  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Self Control
  • Integrity
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance

Values

  • Support
  • Working Conditions
  • Relationships

Abilities

  • Controlled Movement
  • Attention
  • Verbal
  • Visual Understanding

This is what Locomotive Engineers across the country typically make.

$28.58 / hour
$59,450 /year

Entry Level

$35.95 / hour
$74,770 /year

Median Level

$44.55 / hour
$92,670 /year

Experienced Level

Income information reflects a regional average.
Income information reflects a national average.

This career’s National Job Outlook is

Below Average

Please be sure to verify the outlook of this occupation with your instructor.

Search Jobs