# 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.
- **Entity Type:** role
- **Schema Version:** role.v1
- **Soc Code:** 53-4011.00
- **Summary:** 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.

## Aliases

- Locomotive Engineer
- Passenger Locomotive Engineer
- Railroad Engineer
- Transportation Specialist
- Through Freight Engineer
- Train Engineer
- Trainmaster
- Diesel Engine Operator
- Diesel Engineer
- Diesel Locomotive Engineer
- Engine Pilot
- Engineer

## Tasks

| Text | Type | Iwa |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. | Core | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| 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. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Observe tracks to detect obstructions. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings. | Core | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. | Core | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations. | Core | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules. | Core | 4.A.4.a.5.e |
| Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems. | Core | 4.A.4.c.3.g |
| Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment. | Core | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. | Core | 4.A.3.b.6.o |

## Emerging Tasks


## Activities

| Name | Iwa |
| --- | --- |
| Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation. | 4.A.1.a.2.a |
| Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards. | 4.A.1.a.2.g |
| Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles. | 4.A.3.a.4.a |
| Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.a.2.c |
| Respond to transportation emergencies. | 4.A.4.a.5.e |
| Monitor operational quality or safety. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |
| Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement. | 4.A.4.b.1.b |
| Monitor availability of equipment or supplies. | 4.A.4.c.3.g |
| Prepare accident or incident reports. | 4.A.3.b.6.o |
| Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment. | 4.A.1.b.2.d |
| Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly. | 4.A.1.a.2.b |

## Capabilities

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Transportation | knowledge | 4.46 |
| Far Vision | ability | 4.38 |
| Operation and Control | transferable_skill | 4.12 |
| Operations Monitoring | transferable_skill | 4 |
| Selective Attention | ability | 4 |
| Control Precision | ability | 4 |
| Response Orientation | ability | 4 |
| Problem Sensitivity | ability | 3.88 |
| Reaction Time | ability | 3.88 |
| Near Vision | ability | 3.88 |
| Depth Perception | ability | 3.88 |
| Active Listening | essential_skill | 3.75 |
| Oral Comprehension | ability | 3.75 |
| Oral Expression | ability | 3.75 |
| Perceptual Speed | ability | 3.75 |
| Multilimb Coordination | ability | 3.75 |
| Speaking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Critical Thinking | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Monitoring | essential_skill | 3.62 |
| Public Safety and Security | knowledge | 3.62 |
| Information Ordering | ability | 3.62 |
| Flexibility of Closure | ability | 3.62 |
| Rate Control | ability | 3.62 |
| Auditory Attention | ability | 3.62 |
| Inductive Reasoning | ability | 3.5 |
| Reading Comprehension | essential_skill | 3.38 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | transferable_skill | 3.38 |
| Manual Dexterity | ability | 3.38 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | ability | 3.38 |
| Speech Recognition | ability | 3.38 |
| English Language | knowledge | 3.33 |
| Education and Training | knowledge | 3.32 |
| Written Comprehension | ability | 3.25 |
| Deductive Reasoning | ability | 3.25 |
| Time Sharing | ability | 3.25 |
| Speech Clarity | ability | 3.25 |
| Active Learning | essential_skill | 3.12 |
| Complex Problem Solving | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Time Management | transferable_skill | 3.12 |
| Spatial Orientation | ability | 3.12 |

## Skills

| Name | Type |
| --- | --- |
| Depth Perception | Common Skill |
| Active Listening | Common Skill |
| Information Ordering | Specialized Skill |
| Critical Thinking | Common Skill |
| Inductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Speech Recognition | Specialized Skill |
| Reading Comprehension | Common Skill |
| English Language | Common Skill |
| Deductive Reasoning | Common Skill |
| Time Management | Common Skill |
| Complex Problem Solving | Common Skill |
| Active Learning | Common Skill |
| Writing | Common Skill |
| Visualization | Specialized Skill |
| Microsoft Word | Common Skill |
| Microsoft Excel | Common Skill |
| Finger Dexterity | Common Skill |
| Learning Strategies | Specialized Skill |
| Social Perceptiveness | Common Skill |
| Mathematics | Common Skill |
| Telecommunications | Specialized Skill |
| Instructing | Specialized Skill |
| Geography | Specialized Skill |
| Systems Analysis | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Maintenance | Specialized Skill |
| Time Tracking Software | Specialized Skill |
| Negotiation | Common Skill |
| Physics | Specialized Skill |
| Psychology | Specialized Skill |
| Chemistry | Specialized Skill |
| Equipment Selection | Specialized Skill |
| Biology | Specialized Skill |
| Foreign Language | Common Skill |
| Installation | Specialized Skill |

## Tools

| Example | Category | Hot | In Demand |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Microsoft Excel | Spreadsheet software | yes | no |
| Microsoft Word | Word processing software | yes | no |
| Electronic train management systems ETMS | Expert system software | no | no |
| Route mapping software | Route navigation software | no | no |
| Time tracking software | Time accounting software | no | no |

## Work Context

| Name | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable | 4.86 |
| Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets | 4.85 |
| Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams | 4.79 |
| Health and Safety of Other Workers | 4.78 |
| Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team | 4.76 |
| In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment | 4.74 |
| Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | 4.61 |
| Contact With Others | 4.6 |
| Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | 4.48 |
| Telephone Conversations | 4.46 |
| Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures | 4.45 |
| Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions | 4.44 |
| Time Pressure | 4.38 |
| Spend Time Sitting | 4.37 |
| Freedom to Make Decisions | 4.37 |
| Exposed to Contaminants | 4.36 |
| Frequency of Decision Making | 4.36 |
| Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities | 4.34 |
| Consequence of Error | 4.07 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Equipment | 3.99 |
| Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | 3.97 |
| Exposed to Whole Body Vibration | 3.94 |
| Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | 3.92 |
| Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals | 3.88 |
| Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers | 3.84 |
| Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions | 3.7 |
| Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | 3.61 |
| Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions | 3.47 |
| Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled | 3.37 |
| Written Letters and Memos | 3.34 |
| Exposed to Hazardous Conditions | 3.3 |
| Deal With External Customers or the Public in General | 3.23 |
| Conflict Situations | 3.17 |
| Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People | 3.13 |
| Physical Proximity | 2.99 |
| Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings | 2.96 |
| Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body | 2.82 |
| Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment | 2.81 |
| E-Mail | 2.75 |
| In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment | 2.63 |

## Preparation

- **Job Zone:** 2
- **Job Zone Name:** Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- **Education:** Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- **Experience:** Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- **Svp Range:** (Below 6.0)

### Education Distribution

| Label | Percentage |
| --- | --- |
| High School Diploma | 67.84 |
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 23.21 |
| Some College Courses | 6.58 |
| Less than a High School Diploma | 2.37 |

## Person Fit

| Name | Family | Value |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Realistic | career_interest_type | 7 |
| Transportation/Machine Operation | specific_interest_area | 6.88 |
| Dependability | work_style | 6 |
| Attention to Detail | work_style | 5 |
| Conventional | career_interest_type | 4.65 |
| Mechanics/Electronics | specific_interest_area | 4.22 |
| Integrity | work_style | 4 |
| Investigative | career_interest_type | 3.49 |
| Engineering | specific_interest_area | 3.31 |
| Cautiousness | work_style | 3 |
| Physical/Manual Labor | specific_interest_area | 2.29 |
| Stress Tolerance | work_style | 2.28 |
| Self-Control | work_style | 2.06 |
| Perseverance | work_style | 1.9 |
| Enterprising | career_interest_type | 1.89 |

## Related Roles

| Soc Code | Slug | Title | Tier |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 53-4022.00 | role-53-4022-00 | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4031.00 | role-53-4031-00 | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Primary-Short |
| 53-4013.00 | role-53-4013-00 | Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | Primary-Short |
| 53-4041.00 | role-53-4041-00 | Subway and Streetcar Operators | Primary-Short |
| 49-3031.00 | role-49-3031-00 | Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists | Primary-Short |
| 53-6051.07 | role-53-6051-07 | Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation | Primary-Long |
| 53-5031.00 | role-53-5031-00 | Ship Engineers | Primary-Long |
| 49-9097.00 | role-49-9097-00 | Signal and Track Switch Repairers | Primary-Long |
| 47-2073.00 | role-47-2073-00 | Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | Primary-Long |
| 53-3032.00 | role-53-3032-00 | Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | Primary-Long |
| 53-6051.00 | role-53-6051-00 | Transportation Inspectors | Supplemental |
| 51-8021.00 | role-51-8021-00 | Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators | Supplemental |

## Career Clusters

| Cluster | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Supply Chain & Transportation | supply-chain-transportation |

## Education Level

- **Category:** High school diploma or equivalent

## Study Programs

| Title | Slug |
| --- | --- |
| Transportation and Materials Moving | transportation-and-materials-moving |

## Market

- **Median Wage:** 77400
- **Mean Wage:** 81540
- **Pct10Wage:** 60980
- **Pct25Wage:** 73410
- **Pct75Wage:** 84230
- **Pct90Wage:** 100690
- **Employment:** 31990
- **Area Title:** U.S.

## Industries


### Top

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Median Wage | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 31320 | 77400 | 20.42 |
| 31-33 | 31-33 | Manufacturing | Sector | 70 | 45140 |  |
| 21 | 21 | Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | Sector | 50 | 52000 |  |
| 71 | 71 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | Sector | 30 | 33600 |  |

### Concentrated

| Naics | Slug | Title | Level | Employment | Lq |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 48-49 | 48-49 | Transportation and Warehousing | Sector | 31320 | 20.42 |
- **Count:** 4

## Ai Signals

| Source | Label | Score | Scale | Release |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| frey_osborne | Computerization probability | 0.96 | 0-1 probability | 2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot |
| felten_aioe | AI occupational exposure | -0.4977403 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_image_generation_aioe | Image generation occupational exposure | 0.3538676 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |
| felten_language_modeling_aioe | Language modeling occupational exposure | -0.9161659 | relative exposure score | 2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks |

## Ai Outlook


### Index

- **Value:** 35
- **Percentile:** 33
- **Band:** Low
- **Version:** ai-exposure-index-v1

#### Components

| Percentile | Source |
| --- | --- |
| 35 | felten_aioe |
| 36 | openai_gpts_are_gpts |
| 34 | microsoft_working_with_ai |
- **Component Count:** 3

### Exposure

| Source | Label | Value | Percentile | Band | Note |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| felten_aioe | Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.) | -0.4977403 | 35 | Moderate | How much this job's abilities overlap with what AI systems can do, across many AI capabilities. A relative research score, not a forecast of job loss. |
| eloundou_gamma | LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou) | 0.3571428571428571 | 36 | Moderate | Share of this job's tasks where a large language model plus simple tools could cut the time to do them by at least half. γ is capped at 1.0 and many jobs reach that ceiling, so treat a top score as 'in the top group', not a precise rank. |
| microsoft_applicability | AI assistant applicability (Microsoft) | 0.11107086259199123 | 34 | Moderate | How applicable today's AI assistants are to this job's activities, measured from real Microsoft Copilot conversations. Applicability is not the same as replacement. |

### Frey Historical

- **Source:** frey
- **Label:** Computerization probability (Frey & Osborne, 2013)
- **Value:** 0.96
- **Percentile:** 91
- **Band:** High
- **Note:** A pre-LLM (2013) estimate of how automatable this job is by computerization and robotics. Shown for historical context only — it is not part of any current AI ranking.
- **Teleworkable:** no

### Eloundou

- **Alpha:** 0.21428571428571427
- **Beta:** 0.2857142857142857
- **Gamma:** 0.3571428571428571

### Usage Tasks

| Task | Usage Percent | Importance |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. | 0.003697480372541689 | 4.35 |
- **Usage Release:** 2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2

### Bls

- **Growth Percent:** 0.7
- **Growth Percentile:** 30
- **Direction:** About average
- **Annual Openings Thousands:** 2.2
- **Annual Openings Percentile:** 30
- **Employment2024Thousands:** 27
- **Employment2034Thousands:** 27.2

### Sources

| Source | Version |
| --- | --- |
| bls_employment_projections | 2024-2034 |
| dingel_neiman | dingel-neiman-workathome |
| felten_aioe | felten-raj-seamans-aioe |
| frey_osborne | frey-osborne-automation |
| microsoft_working_with_ai | working-with-ai |
| openai_gpts_are_gpts | gpts-are-gpts |

## Counts

- **Tasks:** 14
- **Skills:** 34
- **Capabilities:** 120
- **Tools:** 5
- **Related Roles:** 20

## Source

- **Dataset:** gold.onet_role_starter_surface
- **Version:** 30.3
- **Generated At:** 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00
- **Content Hash:** f5105f4408daf5f7