Locomotive engineers
SOC Code: 53-4011Also known as:
Diesel Engine Operator, Diesel Engineer, Diesel Locomotive Engineer, Engine Pilot, Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$77,400
+0.7% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
27K
Current Jobs
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.
💰 Salary
$77,400
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+0.7%
Little or no change
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
👔 Work Experience
Less than 5 years
Required before entry
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
27,000
Projected Employment (2034)
27,200
Related Careers
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Top Skills Required
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
- Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Locomotive engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a locomotive engineers:
Railroad and Railway Transportation
78 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Locomotive engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become locomotive engineers.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 78 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do locomotive engineers make?
The median annual salary for locomotive engineers is $77,400.
What education do locomotive engineers need?
Most locomotive engineers positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Railroad and Railway Transportation.
Is becoming locomotive engineers a good career choice?
Locomotive engineers is projected to see +0.7% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 2,200 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for locomotive engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring locomotive engineers include
Johnson County Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to locomotive engineers?
Locomotive engineers may also be known as: 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, Motorman, Narrow Gauge Engineer, Narrow Gauge Operator, Operator Engineer, Passenger Locomotive Engineer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.