Career Overview
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.
Also Known As
- Locomotive Engineer
- Passenger Locomotive Engineer
- Railroad Engineer
- Transportation Specialist
Alternate Job Titles
- Diesel Engine Operator
- Diesel Engineer
- Diesel Locomotive Engineer
- Engine Pilot
- Engineer
- Engineman
- Freight Engineer
- Fuel Pilot Engineer
- Locomotive Engineer
- Locomotive Operator
- Lokie Driver
- Lokie Engineer
- Motor Driver
- Motor Operator
- Motor Runner
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
- Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operation and Control
- Operations Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Far Vision
- Response Orientation
- Control Precision
- Selective Attention
- Depth Perception
- Near Vision
- Reaction Time
- Problem Sensitivity
- Perceptual Speed
- Multilimb Coordination
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
- Attention to Detail
- Stress Tolerance
- Integrity
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Relationships
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
Tools & Equipment
- Adjustable hand wrenches
- Adjustable widemouth pliers
- Automatic track switching systems
- Car coupling devices
- Claw hammers
- Desktop computers
- Diesel freight engines
- Diesel passenger engines
- Electric freight engines
- Electric passenger engines
- Freight car air brakes
- Gas-turbine-electric engines
- Locomotive air brakes
- Manual rail switches
- On-board computers
Work Environment
- Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that 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 with Individuals and Within Teams
- Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $60,980 |
| Median | $77,400 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $100,690 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 31,990
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,480
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $74,080
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $58,030
Subway and Streetcar Operators
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $84,830
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)
Median Salary: $60,640
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.