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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Locomotive Engineers

Median Salary
74,770
Job Outlook
+2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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 is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$62,830

10%

$74,770

Median

$103,000

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    67%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    23%

  • Some college

    6%

  • Less than high school

    2%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Railroad and Railway Transportation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Leadership

    Low

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Low

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Transportation
  • Public Safety and Security
  • English Language
  • Education and Training
  • Mechanical

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Time Pressure

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    Mid

  • Physical Activity

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.