About This Career Path
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.
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight.
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution Industry
Locomotive Engineers
Average
$55,950
ANNUAL
$26.90
HOURLY
Entry Level
$48,540
ANNUAL
$23.34
HOURLY
Mid Level
$49,100
ANNUAL
$23.60
HOURLY
Expert Level
$63,670
ANNUAL
$30.61
HOURLY
Locomotive Engineers
440
Projected job openings through 2030
Locomotive Engineers
Degree Recommendations
Locomotive Engineers
01
Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
02
Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
03
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.
04
Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
05
Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
06
Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
07
Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
08
Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
09
Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
10
Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
Locomotive Engineers
Common knowledge, skills & abilities needed to get a foot in the door.
KNOWLEDGE
Transportation
KNOWLEDGE
Public Safety and Security
KNOWLEDGE
English Language
KNOWLEDGE
Education and Training
KNOWLEDGE
Customer and Personal Service
SKILL
Operation and Control
SKILL
Operations Monitoring
SKILL
Active Listening
SKILL
Critical Thinking
SKILL
Monitoring
ABILITY
Far Vision
ABILITY
Control Precision
ABILITY
Response Orientation
ABILITY
Selective Attention
ABILITY
Depth Perception
Transportation, Logistics & Distribution
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