Locomotive Engineers

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Transportation & Material Moving
• O*NET-SOC code: 53-4011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
• Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
• 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.
• Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
• Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
• Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
• Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
• Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
• Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
• Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
• Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
• Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Word, Adjustable hand wrenches, Adjustable widemouth pliers, Automatic track switching systems, Car coupling devices, Claw hammers, Desktop computers, Diesel freight engines, Diesel passenger engines, Electric freight engines, Electric passenger engines

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
• Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
• Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
• Subway and Streetcar Operators
• Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
• Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
• Ship Engineers
• Signal and Track Switch Repairers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Locomotive Engineers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.