entityType = "role"
schemaVersion = "role.v1"
slug = "role-53-4011-00"
socCode = "53-4011.00"
title = "Locomotive Engineers"
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"]
emergingTasks = []

[preparation]
jobZone = "2"
jobZoneName = "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."
svpRange = "(Below 6.0)"

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "High School Diploma"
percentage = 67.84

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Post-Secondary Certificate"
percentage = 23.21

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Some College Courses"
percentage = 6.58

[[preparation.educationDistribution]]
label = "Less than a High School Diploma"
percentage = 2.37

[educationLevel]
category = "High school diploma or equivalent"
slug = "high-school-diploma-or-equivalent"

[market]
medianWage = 77400
meanWage = 81540
pct10Wage = 60980
pct25Wage = 73410
pct75Wage = 84230
pct90Wage = 100690
employment = 31990
areaTitle = "U.S."

[industries]
count = 4

[[industries.top]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 31320
medianWage = 77400
lq = 20.42

[[industries.top]]
naics = "31-33"
slug = "31-33"
title = "Manufacturing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 70
medianWage = 45140

[[industries.top]]
naics = "21"
slug = "21"
title = "Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction"
level = "Sector"
employment = 50
medianWage = 52000

[[industries.top]]
naics = "71"
slug = "71"
title = "Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation"
level = "Sector"
employment = 30
medianWage = 33600

[[industries.concentrated]]
naics = "48-49"
slug = "48-49"
title = "Transportation and Warehousing"
level = "Sector"
employment = 31320
lq = 20.42

[aiOutlook]
teleworkable = false
usageRelease = "2026-01-15-v4-plus-2025-03-27-v2"

[aiOutlook.index]
value = 35
percentile = 33
band = "Low"
version = "ai-exposure-index-v1"
componentCount = 3

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 35
source = "felten_aioe"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 36
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"

[[aiOutlook.index.components]]
percentile = 34
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"

[aiOutlook.freyHistorical]
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."

[aiOutlook.eloundou]
alpha = 0.21428571428571427
beta = 0.2857142857142857
gamma = 0.3571428571428571

[aiOutlook.bls]
growthPercent = 0.7
growthPercentile = 30
direction = "About average"
annualOpeningsThousands = 2.2
annualOpeningsPercentile = 30
employment2024Thousands = 27
employment2034Thousands = 27.2

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "Overall AI exposure (Felten et al.)"
value = -0.4977403
percentile = 35
band = "Moderate"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "eloundou_gamma"
label = "LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou)"
value = 0.3571428571428571
percentile = 36
band = "Moderate"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.exposure]]
source = "microsoft_applicability"
label = "AI assistant applicability (Microsoft)"
value = 0.11107086259199123
percentile = 34
band = "Moderate"
note = "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."

[[aiOutlook.usageTasks]]
task = "Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays."
usagePercent = 0.003697480372541689
importance = 4.35

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "bls_employment_projections"
version = "2024-2034"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "dingel_neiman"
version = "dingel-neiman-workathome"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "felten_aioe"
version = "felten-raj-seamans-aioe"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "frey_osborne"
version = "frey-osborne-automation"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "microsoft_working_with_ai"
version = "working-with-ai"

[[aiOutlook.sources]]
source = "openai_gpts_are_gpts"
version = "gpts-are-gpts"

[counts]
tasks = 14
skills = 34
capabilities = 120
tools = 5
relatedRoles = 20

[source]
dataset = "gold.onet_role_starter_surface"
version = "30.3"
generatedAt = "2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00"
contentHash = "f5105f4408daf5f7"

[[tasks]]
text = "Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[tasks]]
text = "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."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Observe tracks to detect obstructions."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.g"

[[tasks]]
text = "Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[tasks]]
text = "Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[tasks]]
text = "Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.b"

[[tasks]]
text = "Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.a.5.e"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.4.c.3.g"

[[tasks]]
text = "Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[tasks]]
text = "Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays."
type = "Core"
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.o"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles."
iwa = "4.A.3.a.4.a"

[[activities]]
name = "Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.2.c"

[[activities]]
name = "Respond to transportation emergencies."
iwa = "4.A.4.a.5.e"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor operational quality or safety."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement."
iwa = "4.A.4.b.1.b"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor availability of equipment or supplies."
iwa = "4.A.4.c.3.g"

[[activities]]
name = "Prepare accident or incident reports."
iwa = "4.A.3.b.6.o"

[[activities]]
name = "Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment."
iwa = "4.A.1.b.2.d"

[[activities]]
name = "Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly."
iwa = "4.A.1.a.2.b"

[[capabilities]]
name = "Transportation"
family = "knowledge"
value = 4.46

[[capabilities]]
name = "Far Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 4.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operation and Control"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 4.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Operations Monitoring"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Selective Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Control Precision"
family = "ability"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Response Orientation"
family = "ability"
value = 4

[[capabilities]]
name = "Problem Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reaction Time"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Near Vision"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Depth Perception"
family = "ability"
value = 3.88

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Listening"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Oral Expression"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Perceptual Speed"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Multilimb Coordination"
family = "ability"
value = 3.75

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speaking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Monitoring"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Public Safety and Security"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Information Ordering"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Flexibility of Closure"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Rate Control"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Auditory Attention"
family = "ability"
value = 3.62

[[capabilities]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.5

[[capabilities]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Judgment and Decision Making"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Manual Dexterity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Hearing Sensitivity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
family = "ability"
value = 3.38

[[capabilities]]
name = "English Language"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.33

[[capabilities]]
name = "Education and Training"
family = "knowledge"
value = 3.32

[[capabilities]]
name = "Written Comprehension"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Sharing"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Speech Clarity"
family = "ability"
value = 3.25

[[capabilities]]
name = "Active Learning"
family = "essential_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Time Management"
family = "transferable_skill"
value = 3.12

[[capabilities]]
name = "Spatial Orientation"
family = "ability"
value = 3.12

[[skills]]
name = "Depth Perception"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Listening"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Information Ordering"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Critical Thinking"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Inductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Speech Recognition"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Reading Comprehension"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "English Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Deductive Reasoning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Management"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Complex Problem Solving"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Active Learning"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Writing"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Visualization"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Word"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Microsoft Excel"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Finger Dexterity"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Learning Strategies"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Social Perceptiveness"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Mathematics"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Telecommunications"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Instructing"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Geography"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Systems Analysis"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Maintenance"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Time Tracking Software"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Negotiation"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Physics"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Psychology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Chemistry"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Equipment Selection"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Biology"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Foreign Language"
type = "Common Skill"

[[skills]]
name = "Installation"
type = "Specialized Skill"

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Excel"
category = "Spreadsheet software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Microsoft Word"
category = "Word processing software"
hot = true
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Electronic train management systems ETMS"
category = "Expert system software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Route mapping software"
category = "Route navigation software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[tools]]
example = "Time tracking software"
category = "Time accounting software"
hot = false
inDemand = false

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable"
value = 4.86

[[workContext]]
name = "Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets"
value = 4.85

[[workContext]]
name = "Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams"
value = 4.79

[[workContext]]
name = "Health and Safety of Other Workers"
value = 4.78

[[workContext]]
name = "Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team"
value = 4.76

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment"
value = 4.74

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls"
value = 4.61

[[workContext]]
name = "Contact With Others"
value = 4.6

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Being Exact or Accurate"
value = 4.48

[[workContext]]
name = "Telephone Conversations"
value = 4.46

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures"
value = 4.45

[[workContext]]
name = "Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions"
value = 4.44

[[workContext]]
name = "Time Pressure"
value = 4.38

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Sitting"
value = 4.37

[[workContext]]
name = "Freedom to Make Decisions"
value = 4.37

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Contaminants"
value = 4.36

[[workContext]]
name = "Frequency of Decision Making"
value = 4.36

[[workContext]]
name = "Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities"
value = 4.34

[[workContext]]
name = "Consequence of Error"
value = 4.07

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Equipment"
value = 3.99

[[workContext]]
name = "Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results"
value = 3.97

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Whole Body Vibration"
value = 3.94

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions"
value = 3.92

[[workContext]]
name = "Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals"
value = 3.88

[[workContext]]
name = "Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers"
value = 3.84

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions"
value = 3.7

[[workContext]]
name = "Importance of Repeating Same Tasks"
value = 3.61

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions"
value = 3.47

[[workContext]]
name = "Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled"
value = 3.37

[[workContext]]
name = "Written Letters and Memos"
value = 3.34

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Hazardous Conditions"
value = 3.3

[[workContext]]
name = "Deal With External Customers or the Public in General"
value = 3.23

[[workContext]]
name = "Conflict Situations"
value = 3.17

[[workContext]]
name = "Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People"
value = 3.13

[[workContext]]
name = "Physical Proximity"
value = 2.99

[[workContext]]
name = "Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings"
value = 2.96

[[workContext]]
name = "Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body"
value = 2.82

[[workContext]]
name = "Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment"
value = 2.81

[[workContext]]
name = "E-Mail"
value = 2.75

[[workContext]]
name = "In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment"
value = 2.63

[[personFit]]
name = "Realistic"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 7

[[personFit]]
name = "Transportation/Machine Operation"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 6.88

[[personFit]]
name = "Dependability"
family = "work_style"
value = 6

[[personFit]]
name = "Attention to Detail"
family = "work_style"
value = 5

[[personFit]]
name = "Conventional"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 4.65

[[personFit]]
name = "Mechanics/Electronics"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 4.22

[[personFit]]
name = "Integrity"
family = "work_style"
value = 4

[[personFit]]
name = "Investigative"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 3.49

[[personFit]]
name = "Engineering"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 3.31

[[personFit]]
name = "Cautiousness"
family = "work_style"
value = 3

[[personFit]]
name = "Physical/Manual Labor"
family = "specific_interest_area"
value = 2.29

[[personFit]]
name = "Stress Tolerance"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.28

[[personFit]]
name = "Self-Control"
family = "work_style"
value = 2.06

[[personFit]]
name = "Perseverance"
family = "work_style"
value = 1.9

[[personFit]]
name = "Enterprising"
family = "career_interest_type"
value = 1.89

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4022.00"
slug = "role-53-4022-00"
title = "Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4031.00"
slug = "role-53-4031-00"
title = "Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4013.00"
slug = "role-53-4013-00"
title = "Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-4041.00"
slug = "role-53-4041-00"
title = "Subway and Streetcar Operators"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-3031.00"
slug = "role-49-3031-00"
title = "Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists"
tier = "Primary-Short"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-6051.07"
slug = "role-53-6051-07"
title = "Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-5031.00"
slug = "role-53-5031-00"
title = "Ship Engineers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "49-9097.00"
slug = "role-49-9097-00"
title = "Signal and Track Switch Repairers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "47-2073.00"
slug = "role-47-2073-00"
title = "Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-3032.00"
slug = "role-53-3032-00"
title = "Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers"
tier = "Primary-Long"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "53-6051.00"
slug = "role-53-6051-00"
title = "Transportation Inspectors"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[relatedRoles]]
socCode = "51-8021.00"
slug = "role-51-8021-00"
title = "Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators"
tier = "Supplemental"

[[careerClusters]]
cluster = "Supply Chain & Transportation"
slug = "supply-chain-transportation"

[[studyPrograms]]
title = "Transportation and Materials Moving"
slug = "transportation-and-materials-moving"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "frey_osborne"
label = "Computerization probability"
score = 0.96
scale = "0-1 probability"
release = "2013-baseline-2016-employment-snapshot"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_aioe"
label = "AI occupational exposure"
score = -0.4977403
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_image_generation_aioe"
label = "Image generation occupational exposure"
score = 0.3538676
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"

[[aiSignals]]
source = "felten_language_modeling_aioe"
label = "Language modeling occupational exposure"
score = -0.9161659
scale = "relative exposure score"
release = "2021-plus-generative-ai-workbooks"
