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Locomotive Engineers

Career Cluster

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

Focuses on the movement of people, materials, and goods. In this field, you will plan and manage transportation systems involving road, pipeline, air, rail, and water. This field includes careers in logistics services and maintenance.

Learn more about this cluster

At a glance

Recommended education
Recommended education
For this career, most jobs require this level of education. It may be possible to qualify for some jobs without this level of education. Recommendation provided by the U.S. Department of Labor.
High school diploma or GED
Projected growth
Projected growth

This is the expected change in employment for this career in the selected county or state. For example, if a career is expected to double from 100 jobs to 200 jobs, this would show 100%. Due to how projected growth is reported, similar careers may show the same percentage.

These numbers represent the latest 10-year projection period (2018-2028). Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

N/AN/A

Expected pay range

Expected pay range

This represents the median earnings for this career in the selected county or state. In the range shown, 25% of workers earned less than the bottom salary and 25% earned more than the top salary. Data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Monthly cost of living

These numbers give you an idea of how much you can spend each month on common expenses with this salary. Percentages are the average a person with no children spends according to data collected by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These numbers are a starting point and will differ person to person.

Monthly income (before taxes)
N/A
Housing (33%)
Housing
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on rent or mortgage, utilities, home or renters insurance, and home improvements. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Transportation (17%)
Transportation
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on car payments, auto insurance, public transportation, and ride shares, Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Food (13%)
Food
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on groceries and preparing meals at home. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Savings and retirement (12%)
Savings and retirement
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on 401(k), emergency funds, and life insurance. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Education and loans (10%)
Education and loans
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on continuing education and student loan debt. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Use the federal student loan estimator to estimate loan payments.
N/A
Healthcare and wellness (8%)
Healthcare and wellness
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on health insurance, co-pays, fitness memberships, and supplements. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Entertainment (5%)
Entertainment
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on shopping, dining out, and leisure activities. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A
Other expenses (2%)
Other expenses
This represents the average percentage of monthly income spent on clothing, personal care, and services. Data is provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
N/A

Your actual expenses may differ from those listed. You’ll need to account for the amount taken out in taxes each month. Learn more about income tax expenses. Your student loan payments may also differ. To calculate your student loan payments, use the federal student loan repayment estimator.

About locomotive engineers

Find programs for this career
What they do

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.

Other titles

Locomotive Engineer, Passenger Locomotive Engineer, Railroad Engineer, Through Freight Engineer, Train Engineer, Trainmaster, Transportation Specialist

Skills they need

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Operations Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Licenses and Certifications they may hold

How to decide which one is right? That depends on an individual’s career path, specialty, and resources.

Certifications

Certifications may be available for this career and can help build knowledge and skills in specific job roles. Explore available certifications

Similar careers

View careers in the same field as locomotive engineers.

Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Better pay

Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.

Learn more
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Better pay

Median salary for this career is higher than the median salary of all careers in the county selected. Salary data is provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

Learn more
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.

Learn more
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
In demand

In demand careers have high-growth, high-demand, and emerging jobs critical to Texas. They are based on economic indicators like in demand industries, labor market trends, and economic conditions, provided by the Texas Workforce Commission.

Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.

Learn more