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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Locomotive Engineers to increase by 0.5% between 2024 and 2034, from 27,400 to 27,600 jobs. Its estimate of 2,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($81,410), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (Less than 5 years) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
27,400
Projected employment (2034)
27,600
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
2,000
Pay & Preparation
$81,410
High school diploma or equivalent
Less than 5 years
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Operation and Control (4.25/5) • Operations Monitoring (4.12/5) • Monitoring (3.88/5) • Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Active Listening (3.5/5) • Speaking (3.38/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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