Career comparison
Locomotive Engineer vs. Truck 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. $58,640), while truck drivers usually get to work faster (3–7 weeks of training). Locomotive engineers operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network. Truck drivers haul freight safely across town or across the country with a CDL.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Locomotive Engineer | Truck Driver | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $81,410 ($39.14/hr) | $58,640 ($28.19/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $60,680 – $109,220 | $40,140 – $79,380 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.5% (little or no change) | +3.8% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,000 | 214,500 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 1–2 years including conductor time | 3–7 weeks |
| Key credential | FRA locomotive engineer certification | CDL Class A |
| Work setting | Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. | Drivers spend most of the day in the truck cab, sometimes loading or unloading at docks. |
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
Truck Driver
- Inspect trucks and trailers before and after trips
- Plan routes considering weight, height, traffic and weather
- Drive safely while following traffic laws and federal regulations
- Record hours of service with an electronic logging device (ELD)
- Secure cargo and verify loads against shipping documents
How they’re similar
Both careers involve working independently, travel, high responsibility, and steady routines. 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 truck driver if…
- I like working independently
- I enjoy driving and don’t mind long hours on the road
- I want to start earning within a couple of months
Still torn? Take the Locomotive Engineer fit quiz and the Truck Driver fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, locomotive engineer or truck driver?
Locomotive Engineers earn more at the median: $81,410 versus $58,640 for truck drivers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Truck Drivers typically train faster (3–7 weeks) than locomotive engineers (1–2 years including conductor time).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects truck drivers to grow +3.8% from 2025–35, compared with +0.5% for locomotive engineers.