What You Need to Know About Locomotive Engineer
Locomotive Engineer Example 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 Engineer Responsibilities
- Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
- Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver’s cab and available for staff use.
- Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
- Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.
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Things a Locomotive Engineer Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Locomotive Engineers say are important on the job.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Systems Engineer
- Motor Driver
- Railway Engineer
- Trainman
- Train Engineer
Locomotive Engineer Employment Estimates
In the United States, there were 38,800 jobs for Locomotive Engineer in 2016. 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.
Locomotive Engineer Salary
The salary for Locomotive Engineers ranges between about $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 different U.S. states?
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?
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
Becoming a Locomotive Engineer
What education is needed to be a Locomotive Engineer?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Locomotive Engineers Sector

Below are examples of industries where Locomotive Engineers work:

Similar Careers
Those interested in being a Locomotive Engineer may also be interested in:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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