What Do Locomotive Engineer Do?
Job Description & Duties 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.
What Do Locomotive Engineers Do On a Daily Basis?
- Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.
- 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.
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
Featured schools near , edit
Locomotive Engineer Needed Skills
Locomotive Engineers state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Locomotive Engineer Jobs
- Train Engineer
- Railroad Operating Engineer
- Railway Engineer
- Locomotive Engineer
- Relay Motorman
Are There Job Opportunities for Locomotive Engineers?
There were about 38,800 jobs for Locomotive Engineer in 2016 (in the United States). There is little to no growth in job opportunities for Locomotive Engineer. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 3,000 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Locomotive Engineer are South Carolina, Arizona, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Louisiana, Oregon, or Minnesota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Locomotive Engineer Make?
Locomotive Engineers make between $46,200 and $97,890 a year.
Locomotive Engineers who work in Washington, Delaware, or New York, make the highest salaries.
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $64,670 |
| Arizona | $66,350 |
| Arkansas | $66,410 |
| California | $80,330 |
| Delaware | $75,030 |
| Florida | $62,520 |
| Georgia | $56,090 |
| Idaho | $60,160 |
| Illinois | $71,000 |
| Indiana | $59,180 |
| Iowa | $68,110 |
| Kansas | $69,420 |
| Kentucky | $58,160 |
| Maryland | $75,270 |
| Massachusetts | $74,190 |
| Michigan | $65,030 |
| Minnesota | $66,340 |
| Missouri | $71,260 |
| Montana | $64,700 |
| Nebraska | $66,760 |
| New Hampshire | $45,100 |
| New Jersey | $61,310 |
| New Mexico | $75,490 |
| New York | $77,150 |
| North Carolina | $58,670 |
| Ohio | $65,400 |
| Oklahoma | $51,650 |
| Oregon | $58,690 |
| Pennsylvania | $71,890 |
| South Carolina | $60,420 |
| South Dakota | $77,640 |
| Tennessee | $70,970 |
| Texas | $65,660 |
| Utah | $57,290 |
| Virginia | $69,990 |
| Washington | $85,160 |
| West Virginia | $60,730 |
| Wisconsin | $63,520 |
| Wyoming | $80,610 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Locomotive Engineers
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Locomotive Engineers may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Data entry software
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
How do I Become a Locomotive Engineer?
Individuals working as a Locomotive Engineer have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Locomotive Engineer?
Where Locomotive Engineers Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Locomotive Engineer might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
Request Info
|
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |
TradeCollege.org provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. TradeCollege.org is a for-profit site, and the displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© TradeCollege.org – All Rights Reserved.