Member Login Username: Password:

Currentlocaljobs
what where
job, keywords, or company city, state or zip
Job Search
Salary Information
Education Resources
Resume Help Center

My Profile

Edit My Profile Upload Resume My Career Tools

Browse Jobs

Jobs by State Jobs by Industry Jobs by Salary Jobs by Regions Jobs by Popularity

National

Employment data collected from Locomotive Engineers and Operators.

Median wages (2008) $23.29 hourly, $48,440 annual
Employment (2006) 47,000 employees
Projected growth (2006-2016) Slower than average (3% to 6%)
Projected need (2006-2016) 17,000 additional employees
53-4011.00 - Locomotive Engineers

Drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives to transport passengers or freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

Sample of reported job titles: Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, Transportation Specialist, Passenger Locomotive Engineer, Railroad Engineer, Train Engineer, Trainmaster

Tasks

  • Monitor gauges and meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, and air pressure in brakelines and in main reservoirs.
  • Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
  • Interpret train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
  • Receive starting signals from conductors, then move controls such as throttles and air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas-turbine-electric locomotives.
  • Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
  • Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations, and to assemble and disassemble trains within rail yards.
  • Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
  • Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
  • Call out train signals to assistants in order to verify meanings.
  • Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, and other supplies before each run, and to check for mechanical problems.

back to top

Tools & Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

Diesel freight locomotives — Diesel freight engines
Diesel passenger locomotives — Diesel passenger engines
Electric freight locomotives — Electric freight engines; Gas-turbine-electric engines
Rail switching systems — Automatic track switching systems; Manual rail switches
Screwdrivers — Phillips head screwdrivers; Straight screwdrivers
Train braking systems — Freight car air brakes; Locomotive air brakes

Technology used in this occupation:

Data base user interface and query software — Data entry software
Expert system software — Electronic train management systems ETMS
Map creation software — Route mapping software
Time accounting software — Time tracking software
47-2071.00 Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
53-3021.00 Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Green Occupation
53-3033.00 Truck Drivers, Light or Delivery Services
53-4013.00 Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
53-5022.00 Motorboat Operators
53-6011.00 Bridge and Lock Tenders
53-6051.07 Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation Green Occupation