What is the salary of a Locomotive Engineer?

The typical salary range is $54,180 - $108,360 per year.

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeStable

Locomotive Engineer

Operational-level

Also known as: Diesel Engine Operator, Diesel Engineer, Diesel Locomotive Engineer, Engine Pilot

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

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.

Locomotive EngineeringRail TransportTrain OperationsRailway SignalingTransportationOperations ManagementEngineeringAutomotiveOil and GasEnergy

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+0.5%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

2,000

per year (US)

Jobs today

27,400

in 2025 → 27,600 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook. Read the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication

Moderate

Working in a team

High

Contact with others

High

Freedom to make decisions

High

Time pressure

Moderate

Time spent sitting

High

Working outdoors

High

Indoor, climate-controlled

Low

Dealing with customers

Moderate

Level of competition

Low

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

This field maintains steady employment levels with consistent demand. Job opportunities remain available with moderate competition.

Career ladder

Often before this role

Train Conductor
Railroad Yard Worker
Apprentice Engineer

Locomotive Engineer

Where it can lead

Rail Operations Manager
Rail Safety Inspector
Train Driver Instructor

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will increasingly support locomotive engineers through advanced predictive maintenance, optimized route planning, and enhanced safety systems. While fully autonomous trains are on the horizon, human oversight will remain crucial for complex decision-making, emergency response, and passenger safety for the next 5-10 years. Engineers may transition to monitoring and supervisory roles, managing automated systems rather than direct operation.

Salary

$81,410

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position