Locomotive Engineers
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $81,410/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +0.7% projected growth, 2024–2034 — slower than average.
About 2,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
• Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
What's the median pay for Locomotive Engineers?
The median pay for Locomotive Engineers is $81,410 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Locomotive Engineers?
Employment for Locomotive Engineers is projected to change +0.7% from 2024 to 2034 - slower than average.
What education is typically required for Locomotive Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Locomotive Engineers?
About 2,200 openings per year, on average, over the decade.