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Locomotive Engineers
Transportation and Material Moving · SOC 53-4011
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$81,410
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
2,900
Proj. Annual Openings
33,470
Employment (OEWS 2025)
100/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure0.0%
AI Resiliency100/100
Exposure BandLow
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Operation and Control
2.Operations Monitoring
3.Active Listening
4.Speaking
5.Critical Thinking
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
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.
Common titles: Locomotive Engineer, Passenger Locomotive Engineer, Railroad Engineer, Through Freight Engineer, Train Engineer, Trainmaster
Representative Tasks
- •Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
- •Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- •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.
- •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.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
- •Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
- •Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
- •Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
- •Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Excel · hotMicrosoft Word · hotElectronic train management systems ETMSRoute mapping softwareTime tracking software
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.8%
Avg AI Exposure
6
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 24% Bright |
| Median Salary | $81,410 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |