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Transportation & Logistics career
Locomotive Engineer
Also called: Train Engineer · Railroad Engineer · Freight Train Engineer · Passenger Train Engineer
What locomotive engineers do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does a locomotive engineer do?
Locomotive engineers drive trains, controlling speed, braking and train handling while following signals, track warrants and operating rules to move freight and passengers safely. The median pay is $81,410 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 1–2 years including conductor time, and employment is projected to grow +0.5% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$81,410$39.14/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+0.5%2025–35, little or no change
- Openings per year2,000Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationHigh school diploma or equivalentBLS classification
- Time to train1–2 years including conductor timeTypical program length
- U.S. jobs27,400Employment, 2025
What locomotive engineers do
Locomotive engineers run trains. They inspect locomotives, check brake tests, read signals and track authorities, control throttle and air brakes to handle long, heavy trains on grades and curves, and communicate with dispatchers and conductors. Freight engineers move goods across the country; passenger and commuter engineers keep tight schedules.
Most engineers start as conductors and are promoted after railroad training. Engineers must be certified under Federal Railroad Administration rules, with regular recertification and testing. The pay is strong, but the job usually means on-call schedules and time away from home.
Typical duties
- Inspect locomotives and equipment before departure
- Perform and verify air brake tests
- Operate throttle, dynamic and air brakes
- Follow signals, speed limits and track authorities
- Communicate with dispatchers and the conductor
- Handle trains safely on grades and curves
- Report defects, delays and incidents
Work environment and schedule
Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. The job involves sitting for long periods, intense concentration and noise and vibration.
Schedule: Freight engineers are often on call 24/7 and may spend nights away at terminals. Passenger engineers usually have more regular schedules.
A day in the life
- Receive the call from the crew office with two hours’ notice.
- Report to the yard, review bulletins and the train consist with the conductor.
- Inspect the locomotive and complete the air brake test.
- Depart, controlling slack on a long mixed-freight train.
See a full day in the life of a locomotive engineer →
Locomotive Engineer salary
Half of locomotive engineers earned more than $81,410 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $60,680 for the lowest 10% to $109,220 for the top 10%.
Full locomotive engineer pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become a locomotive engineer
- Meet hiring requirements
- Get hired as a conductor trainee
- Work as a conductor
- Complete engineer training
- Advance
A high school diploma is typical. Engineers complete railroad training, usually after working as conductors, and must be certified under FRA rules, including knowledge, skills and territory qualifications.
Step-by-step guide to becoming a locomotive engineer →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Train handling
- Air brake systems
- Signal and rule knowledge
- Locomotive inspection
- Radio communication
People skills
- Concentration
- Responsibility
- Calm decision making
- Teamwork with the conductor
All locomotive engineer skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Strong pay and benefits
- No degree required
- Union representation
- Responsibility for huge, powerful machines
Cons
- On-call schedules and irregular sleep
- Time away from home
- Long periods of concentration
- Must start as a conductor at most railroads
Certifications and licenses
- FRA locomotive engineer certification: Federal certification required to operate locomotives.
- Conductor certification: Most engineers start as certified conductors.
- Territory qualification: Knowledge of specific routes.
- Rules exams: Periodic testing on operating rules such as GCOR or NORAC.
Career path
- Conductor: Learn rules and train operations.
- Locomotive Engineer: Operate trains.
- Engineer Trainer or Road Foreman: Train and evaluate engineers.
- Trainmaster or Operations Manager: Manage terminals and operations.
Learn the job before day one
Our Locomotive Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as perform an initial air brake test and control slack on a long train, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Locomotive Engineer vs. Railroad Conductor · Locomotive Engineer vs. Truck Driver · Locomotive Engineer vs. Transit Bus Driver · Locomotive Engineer vs. Crane Operator
Locomotive Engineer FAQ
Do you need a degree to be a train engineer?
No. Railroads train new hires, usually as conductors first.
How long until you become an engineer?
Often one to several years, depending on the railroad.
Is the schedule predictable?
Freight schedules are often on call; passenger jobs are more regular.
How much does a locomotive engineer make?
The median annual wage for locomotive engineers was $81,410 ($39.14 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $60,680 and the highest 10% earned more than $109,220.
How long does it take to become a locomotive engineer?
Most people need about 1–2 years including conductor time of training. A high school diploma is typical. Engineers complete railroad training, usually after working as conductors, and must be certified under FRA rules, including knowledge, skills and territory qualifications.
Do you need a degree to be a locomotive engineer?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
More locomotive engineer questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 53-4011 (Locomotive engineers).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Locomotive engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.