All About Locomotive Engineers
Career Description 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.
List of Locomotive Engineer Job Duties
- Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- 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.
Skills Needed to be a Locomotive Engineer
When polled, Locomotive Engineers say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Relay Motorman
- Passenger Locomotive Engineer
- Narrow Gauge Operator
- Motor Operator
- Rail Car Operator
Locomotive Engineer Job Outlook
There were about 38,800 jobs for Locomotive Engineers in 2016 (in the United States).
Locomotive Engineer jobs are decreasing by a rate of -2.8%. This means the total job opportunities are shrinking. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a loss of -1,100 jobs for Locomotive Engineers by 2026. The BLS estimates 3,000 yearly job openings in this field per year.
The states with the most job growth for Locomotive Engineers are Texas, Illinois, and Nebraska.
Watch out if you plan on working in Minnesota, Louisiana, or Tennessee. 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. The median salary is $62,100.
How much do Locomotive Engineers make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
|
Washington |
$85,160 |
|
Wyoming |
$80,610 |
|
California |
$80,330 |
|
South Dakota |
$77,640 |
|
New York |
$77,150 |
|
New Mexico |
$75,490 |
|
Maryland |
$75,270 |
|
Delaware |
$75,030 |
|
Massachusetts |
$74,190 |
|
Pennsylvania |
$71,890 |
|
Missouri |
$71,260 |
|
Illinois |
$71,000 |
|
Tennessee |
$70,970 |
|
Virginia |
$69,990 |
|
Kansas |
$69,420 |
|
Iowa |
$68,110 |
|
Nebraska |
$66,760 |
|
Arkansas |
$66,410 |
|
Arizona |
$66,350 |
|
Minnesota |
$66,340 |
|
Texas |
$65,660 |
|
Ohio |
$65,400 |
|
Michigan |
$65,030 |
|
Montana |
$64,700 |
|
Alabama |
$64,670 |
|
Wisconsin |
$63,520 |
|
Florida |
$62,520 |
|
New Jersey |
$61,310 |
|
West Virginia |
$60,730 |
|
South Carolina |
$60,420 |
|
Idaho |
$60,160 |
|
Indiana |
$59,180 |
|
Oregon |
$58,690 |
|
North Carolina |
$58,670 |
|
Kentucky |
$58,160 |
|
Utah |
$57,290 |
|
Georgia |
$56,090 |
|
Oklahoma |
$51,650 |
|
New Hampshire |
$45,100 |
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
How do I Become a Locomotive Engineer?
Individuals working as Locomotive Engineers have obtained the following education levels:
What work experience do I need to become a Locomotive Engineer?
Where Locomotive Engineers Work
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming Locomotive Engineers might also be interested in the following careers:
- Crane and Tower Operators
References
Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons
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