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.
Locomotive Engineers
SOC: 53-4011 O*NET: 53-4011.00
Median Salary
$77,400
per year
Job Growth
📉 0.7%
Slower (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
2.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
Overview
Compensation & Benefits
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Understanding where you might fall in the salary range based on experience and location.
10th
$46,440
25th
$61,920
50th (Median)
$77,400
75th
$92,880
90th
$116,100
Percentile Explained: If you're in the 75th percentile, you earn more than 75% of workers in this occupation. Entry-level positions typically fall in the 10th-25th percentile range, while experienced professionals often reach the 75th-90th percentile.
Typical Benefits Package
Health & Wellness
- ✓Health Insurance
- ✓Dental Insurance
- ✓Vision Insurance
- ✓Mental Health Support
- ✓Wellness Programs
Financial Benefits
- ✓401(k) Retirement Plan
- ✓Employer Match (typically 3-6%)
- ✓Profit Sharing
- ✓Stock Options
- ✓Performance Bonuses
Work-Life Balance
- ✓Paid Time Off (15-25 days)
- ✓Paid Sick Leave
- ✓Flexible Work Arrangements
- ✓Remote Work Options
- ✓Parental Leave
Professional Development
- ✓Tuition Reimbursement
- ✓Professional Certifications
- ✓Conference Attendance
- ✓Training Programs
- ✓Mentorship Opportunities
Note: Benefits vary widely by employer, company size, and location. Large corporations and tech companies often offer more comprehensive packages, while small businesses may offer fewer benefits but more flexibility. Always review the complete compensation package, not just base salary.
Job Market Intelligence
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:27,000
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+0.7%
Annual Openings:2,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)27,000
Current
2034 (Projected)27,200
+0.7%
+200
Employment Change
+0.7%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: More slowly than average
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
Top Skills
✓
Operation and Control
Operation and Control
✓
Operations Monitoring
Operations Monitoring
✓
Active Listening
Active Listening
✓
Speaking
Speaking
✓
Monitoring
Monitoring
✓
Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking
✓
Reading Comprehension
Reading Comprehension
✓
Judgment and Decision Making
Judgment and Decision Making
✓
Complex Problem Solving
Complex Problem Solving
✓
Active Learning
Active Learning
Key Knowledge Areas
✓
Transportation
✓
Public Safety and Security
✓
English Language
✓
Education and Training
✓
Customer and Personal Service
Education & Training
Education Required
High school diploma or equivalent
Experience Required
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Job Training
Training of a few months to a year