Career comparison
Locomotive Engineer vs. Transit Bus Driver
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Locomotive engineers earn more at the median ($81,410 vs. $59,050), while transit bus drivers usually get to work faster (6–10 weeks of training). Locomotive engineers operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network. Transit bus drivers drive city and intercity buses that get people to work, school and home.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Locomotive Engineer | Transit Bus Driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $81,410 ($39.14/hr) | $59,050 ($28.39/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $60,680 – $109,220 | $40,030 – $84,700 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.5% (little or no change) | +4.1% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,000 | 21,100 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–2 years including conductor time | 6–10 weeks |
| Key credential | FRA locomotive engineer certification | CDL Class B |
| Work setting | Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. | Operators drive in city traffic, on highways and in all weather. |
What each job does
Locomotive Engineer
- 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
Transit Bus Driver
- Inspect the bus before service
- Drive routes safely and on schedule
- Board and alight passengers at stops
- Collect fares and monitor fare equipment
- Deploy ramps and secure wheelchairs
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working independently, high responsibility, steady routines, and shift work. Both are part of the transportation & logistics field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose locomotive engineer if…
- I can concentrate for many hours
- I’m comfortable with irregular schedules
- I like operating big machines
Choose transit bus driver if…
- I like helping people get where they need to go
- I stay calm with difficult people
- I’m a careful driver
Still torn? Take the Locomotive Engineer fit quiz and the Transit Bus Driver fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, locomotive engineer or transit bus driver?
Locomotive Engineers earn more at the median: $81,410 versus $59,050 for transit bus drivers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Transit Bus Drivers typically train faster (6–10 weeks) than locomotive engineers (1–2 years including conductor time).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects transit bus drivers to grow +4.1% from 2025–35, compared with +0.5% for locomotive engineers.