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Life As a Locomotive Engineer
Example of Locomotive Engineer Job 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?
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.
- Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver’s cab and available for staff use.
- Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
- Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Locomotive Engineer?
These are the skills Locomotive Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Other Locomotive Engineer Job Titles
- Narrow Gauge Operator
- Lokie Driver
- Motor Runner
- Locomotive Engineer
- Pilot Fuel Engineer
Job Demand 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Locomotive Engineer
The average yearly salary of a Locomotive Engineer ranges between $46,200 and $97,890.
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 |
What Tools do Locomotive Engineers Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Locomotive Engineers:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Data entry software
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
Becoming a Locomotive Engineer
What education or degrees do I need to become a Locomotive Engineer?
How many years of work experience do I need?
Other Jobs You May be Interested In
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References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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