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Locomotive Engineers

Drives freight and passenger trains.

Typical education to startHigh school diploma or equivalent
Job outlook2025–2035: +1%
Median pay$81,410 a year (2025)
Interest codeRCI Realistic, Conventional, Investigative

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Locomotive engineers operate trains, watch signals and track conditions, and work with conductors to move freight and passengers safely. Most start as conductors and train with the railroad. Schedules are often on call.

Open the locomotive engineer guide

The guide checks the courses against your plan, with things to try each year. Free account needed.

High school courses that build toward it

  • Pre-Algebra · Math

    Builds math, which this job uses.

  • Physics · Science

    Builds physics, which this job uses.

  • Business Law · Career and Technical

    Builds law and government, which this job uses.

  • Computer Science Principles · Computer Science

    Builds computers and electronics, which this job uses.

  • English 10 · English

    Builds reading and writing, which this job uses.

  • Physical Education · Health and PE

    Builds teaching and training, which this job uses.

Ranked by how much the job relies on what each course teaches, from O*NET's knowledge ratings. Your school's own courses and the counselor have the final word.

Locomotive Engineers on O*NET OnLine · O*NET 31.0 (U.S. Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0); BLS Employment Projections 2025.