Locomotive Engineers
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.
Also called: Diesel Engineer, Diesel Locomotive Engineer, Engineer, Freight Engineer, Narrow Gauge Engineer, Operator Engineer
Median pay
$81,410
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$60,680 – $109,220
People employed
33,470
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with hours that change?
- 2.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 3.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 4.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Locomotive Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (35 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What locomotive engineers do
- 01Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.
- 02Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- 03Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- 04Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- 05Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- 06Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
Skills that matter most
- Monitoring
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from locomotive engineers
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation82% · group pay
- Pile Driver Operators78% · −10%
- Gas Plant Operators78% · +8%
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers77% · +19%
- Biomass Plant Technicians75% · group pay
Change into locomotive engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation85% · $92,100
- Bridge and Lock Tenders84% · $57,700
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers82% · $58,640
- Motorboat Operators81% · $47,520
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity80% · $59,050
Majors that lead here
- Railroad and Railway Transportation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.