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Occupation AtlasLocomotive Engineers

O*NET · 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.

Also called Diesel Engineer · Diesel Locomotive Engineer · Engineer · Freight Engineer · Narrow Gauge Engineer · Operator Engineer · Passenger Locomotive Engineer · Pilot Fuel Engineer
9 more

Railroad Engineer · Railroad Operating Engineer · Railway Engineer · Steam Locomotive Engineer · Steam Locomotive Fireman · Through Freight Engineer · Train Engineer · Trainmaster · Transportation Specialist

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Subway and Streetcar Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional4.65
  • I Investigative3.49
  • E Enterprising1.89
  • S Social1.85
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma9%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent64%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate27%
Related work experience
None (47%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (46%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (48%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control4.34.3Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Monitoringbasic3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Active Listeningbasic3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Learningbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem Solving3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Writingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Quality Control Analysis2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Troubleshooting2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Instructing2.42.6Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.12.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Persuasion2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Evaluation2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Equipment Maintenance2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.9
  • Operations Analysis1.60.6
  • Equipment Selection1.50.8
  • Technology Design1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

13 core · 2 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.4.9
  2. 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.4.9
  3. Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.4.8
  4. Observe tracks to detect obstructions.4.7
  5. Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.4.7
  6. Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.4.5
  7. Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.4.5
  8. Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.4.4
  9. Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.4.4
  10. Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.4.4
  11. Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.4.3
  12. Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.3.9
Show the other 3
  1. Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.3.8
  2. Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.4.0
  3. Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks.2.9

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Transportation4.04.3Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Public Safety and Security3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Mechanical3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Customer and Personal Service2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Education and Training2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • English Language2.82.5Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government2.82.8
Show all 33
  • Physics2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Administration and Management2.52.4Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
  • Computers and Electronics2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Communications and Media2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Engineering and Technology2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Telecommunications2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Building and Construction2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Production and Processing2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • Administrative2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Chemistry2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Design2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.2Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.2Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Psychology1.61.4Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Geography1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Biology1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.3—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.3—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Selective Attention4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Far Vision4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Control Precision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Depth Perception3.93.8Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Perceptual Speed3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Read five pressure indicators in 10 seconds to make sure each is within safe limits
  • Problem Sensitivity3.93.6Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Response Orientation3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Auditory Attention3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
Show all 52
  • Flexibility of Closure3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Information Ordering3.83.5Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.83.5Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Reaction Time3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Inductive Reasoning3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Multilimb Coordination3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Rate Control3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Deductive Reasoning3.33.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Glare Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Time Sharing3.33.5Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Manual Dexterity3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Speech Clarity3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Trunk Strength3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Visualization3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Written Expression3.02.9
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Sound Localization2.92.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
  • Speed of Closure2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Peripheral Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Night Vision2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.5Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.42.4Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Static Strength2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Extent Flexibility2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Fluency of Ideas2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Dynamic Strength2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Explosive Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.55.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Getting Information4.43.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.34.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Processing Information4.13.6Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
Show all 41
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.84.8Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.63.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Training and Teaching Others3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.53.7Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Thinking Creatively3.42.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.32.5Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.33.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.12.9
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.02.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.92.8
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.82.6
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.82.6
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
  • Developing and Building Teams2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.42.7
  • Working with Computers2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.81.1Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.7
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment4.7
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers4.6
  • Consequence of Error4.5
  • Frequency of Decision Making4.5
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.4
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.4

Technology

5 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (3)
  • Electronic train management systems ETMS
  • Route mapping software
  • Time tracking software

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
  2. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
  3. Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
  4. Subway and Streetcar Operators
  5. Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
  6. Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
  7. Ship Engineers
  8. Signal and Track Switch Repairers
  9. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  10. Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.