Locomotive Engineers
SOC Code: 53-4011 Job Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
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.
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Prevailing Wage Levels (National)
DOL/OFLC prevailing wage thresholds for Locomotive Engineers. Hourly rates x 2,080 = annual.
FY2027 Weighted Lottery Impact
| Level | Lottery Entries | Est. Selection Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | 1 entry | ~16% |
| Level II (Qualified) | 2 entries | ~31% |
| Level III (Experienced) | 3 entries | ~45% |
| Level IV (Expert) | 4 entries | ~61% |
Prevailing Wages by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Level I | Level II | Level III | Level IV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts nonmetropolitan area | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Springfield, MA | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Worcester, MA | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Pittsfield, MA | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Barnstable Town, MA | $80,995 | $90,730 | $100,443 | $110,178 |
| Peoria, IL | $73,694 | $85,010 | $96,325 | $107,640 |
| Bloomington, IL | $73,694 | $85,010 | $96,325 | $107,640 |
| Decatur, IL | $73,694 | $85,010 | $96,325 | $107,640 |
Key Skills
| Skill | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Operation and Control | 4.1 | |
| Operations Monitoring | 4.0 | |
| Active Listening | 3.8 | |
| Critical Thinking | 3.6 | |
| Speaking | 3.6 | |
| Monitoring | 3.6 | |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.4 | |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.4 | |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.1 | |
| Active Learning | 3.1 |
Knowledge Areas
| Knowledge | Importance |
|---|---|
| Transportation | 4.5 |
| Public Safety and Security | 3.6 |
| English Language | 3.3 |
| Education and Training | 3.3 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 3.0 |
| Mechanical | 3.0 |
| Administration and Management | 2.8 |
| Law and Government | 2.4 |
Education Requirements
| Education Level | % of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma | 67.8% |
| Some college | 23.2% |
| Post-secondary certificate | 6.6% |
| Less than high school | 2.4% |
Typical Tasks
- Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
- Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
- Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or 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 or to assemble or 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.
Technology Skills
Green = Hot Technology in demand
Microsoft Excel Microsoft Word Electronic train management systems ETMS Route mapping software Time tracking software
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