Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Locomotive Engineer
What locomotive engineers actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
Receive the call from the crew office with two hours’ notice. From there, the day usually includes inspect locomotives and equipment before departure, perform and verify air brake tests, and operate throttle, dynamic and air brakes. Freight engineers are often on call 24/7 and may spend nights away at terminals. Passenger engineers usually have more regular schedules.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a locomotive engineer working full time.
- 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.
- Slow for a work zone and follow the track warrant from the dispatcher.
- Navigate a long downgrade using dynamic braking.
- Arrive at the away terminal, tie down the train and go off duty at the hotel.
Where locomotive engineers work
Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. The job involves sitting for long periods, intense concentration and noise and vibration.
Hours and schedule
Freight engineers are often on call 24/7 and may spend nights away at terminals. Passenger engineers usually have more regular schedules.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- 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
Tools you’ll use every day
- Locomotive controls
- Event recorders
- Radios
- Positive train control (PTC) displays
- Timetables and bulletins
- Air brake test equipment
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Strong pay and benefits
- No degree required
- Union representation
- Responsibility for huge, powerful machines
What’s hard
- On-call schedules and irregular sleep
- Time away from home
- Long periods of concentration
- Must start as a conductor at most railroads
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I can concentrate for many hours
- I’m comfortable with irregular schedules
- I like operating big machines
- I want strong pay without college
- I follow rules carefully
- I can be away from home
Not sure? Take the free Locomotive Engineer fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow hours-of-service rules and get rest
- Call and obey every signal
- Comply with PTC and speed restrictions
- Use three points of contact on locomotives