Median pay
$77,400
Median annual pay for Locomotive Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Transportation and Logistics
Locomotive Engineers
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.
10-year growth
0.7%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings
2,200
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment
27,000
Estimated U.S. employment for Locomotive Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost
+200
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical additional preparation: Less than 5 years of related work experience; Moderate-term on-the-job training.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile
What the work involves
Strongest O*NET signals first.
Essential skills
- 1Active Listening
- 2Critical Thinking
- 3Monitoring
- 4Speaking
- 5Reading Comprehension
- 6Active Learning
Knowledge areas
- 1Transportation
- 2Public Safety and Security
- 3English Language
- 4Education and Training
- 5Customer and Personal Service
- 6Mechanical
Abilities
- 1Far Vision
- 2Control Precision
- 3Response Orientation
- 4Selective Attention
- 5Depth Perception
- 6Near Vision
Career interests
- 1Realistic
- 2Conventional
- 3Investigative
- 4Enterprising
- 5Social
- 6Artistic
Work styles
- 1Dependability
- 2Cautiousness
- 3Attention to Detail
- 4Stress Tolerance
- 5Integrity
- 6Self-Control
Work activities
- 1Controlling Machines and Processes
- 2Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- 4Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- 5Getting Information
- 6Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Work context
- 1Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- 2Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- 4Health and Safety of Other Workers
- 5Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- 6In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
Representative tasks
- 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.
Software and tools
Microsoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyElectronic train management systems ETMSRoute mapping softwareTime tracking software
Sources
BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.