Career roadmap
How to Become a Locomotive Engineer
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a locomotive engineer, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a locomotive engineer: (1) meet hiring requirements, (2) get hired as a conductor trainee, (3) work as a conductor, (4) complete engineer training, (5) advance. Most people need about 1–2 years including conductor time. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a locomotive engineer
Meet hiring requirements
Pass background checks, drug tests and medical exams.
Get hired as a conductor trainee
Learn rules, switching and safety.
Work as a conductor
Gain experience on the railroad.
Complete engineer training
Learn train handling and pass FRA certification.
Advance
Become a road foreman, trainer or manager.
Education and training requirements
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.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | Less than 5 years |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 1–2 years including conductor time |
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.
Skills to build now
Start with train handling, air brake systems, and signal and rule knowledge, and practice concentration and responsibility. Learning the locomotive engineer vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- 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.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Locomotive Engineer training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
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.
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.
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.