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.
What does a Locomotive Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$60,980
10th percentile
Early Career
$73,410
25th percentile
Median
$77,400
50th percentile
Experienced
$84,230
75th percentile
Top Earners
$100,690
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$60,980
25th
$73,410
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$77,400
Mean: $81,540
75th
$84,230
90th
$100,690
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $39,710 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $73,410 and $84,230
- •Salary spread is 14.0% around the median, showing low variation
- •Total national employment: 31,990 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:27,000
Top Industries
Rail Transportation95.2%
Rail Transportation95.2%
Support Activities for Transportation2.4%
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
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Locomotive Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 38 locations
Texas
4,040 jobs$77,0801.41x
Illinois
2,130 jobs$83,6901.69x
California
1,670 jobs$74,7100.45x
Iowa
1,520 jobs$87,5504.68x
Pennsylvania
1,460 jobs$81,2101.17x
New York
1,290 jobs$107,2900.65x
Kansas
990 jobs$76,6803.32x
Montana
970 jobs$81,1609.13x
Georgia
870 jobs$75,6800.87x
Indiana
860 jobs$63,1601.30x
Missouri
810 jobs$76,9101.33x
Washington
810 jobs$73,4101.11x
Minnesota
730 jobs$79,3701.21x
Nebraska
720 jobs$84,8703.43x
Arkansas
700 jobs$77,0102.63x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
Standard growth expectations for this occupation
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Operation and Control
100%
#2
Operations Monitoring
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Monitoring
74%
#6
Critical Thinking
66%
#7
Reading Comprehension
60%
#8
Judgment and Decision Making
54%
#9
Complex Problem Solving
46%
#10
Active Learning
40%
Skills Overview
Operation and Control
advanced5.0
100%
Operations Monitoring
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Monitoring
intermediate3.7
74%
Critical Thinking
intermediate3.3
66%
Reading Comprehension
basic3.0
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Operation and Control
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Operations Monitoring
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Critical Thinking
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance46%
abilities
2.3/5.0
Active Learning
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Commercial Pilots100%
5 shared skills
Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers100%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors82%
5 shared skills
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Power Plant Operators82%
5 shared skills
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Critical Thinking
- →Reading Comprehension
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Operation and Control
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Operation and Control
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Locomotive Engineers
Technology Intensity
Medium
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires intermediate digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Office productivity softwareIndustry-specific applicationsBasic data entry and managementDigital communication tools
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Excel
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Word
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
CONSTANT TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy constant team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
14
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (8)Training & Development (4)Operations & Execution (1)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)
1
Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development94% perform96%
4
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.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Training & Development88% perform92%
6
Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution85% perform90%
7
Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Training & Development76% perform84%
10
Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •50% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Locomotive Engineers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Locomotive Engineers professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Locomotive Engineers
Attention to Detail
Very ImportantAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.37
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.28
Self-Control
Very ImportantSelf-Control
Importance Level4.19
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.16
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.04
Stress Tolerance
ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level3.95
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.4
Dependability
4.3
Self-Control
4.2
Integrity
4.2
Cooperation
4.0
Stress Tolerance
4.0
Concern for Others
3.9
Initiative
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.8
Adaptability/Flexibility
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
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