Locomotive Engineers
SOC Code: 53-4011
Locomotive Engineerss interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. This career typically requires moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year). With an AI-proof score of 85.6/100, this role has high resilience to automation. Key skills include Operation and Control, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring.
AI-Proof Score: 85.6 — Very High
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Median Salary
$77,400
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Job Growth
0.7%
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Training Time
Moderate-term on-the-job training (months to 1 year)
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Job Zone
Zone 2 / 5
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Training Cost
~$5,000
Key Skills
- •Operation and Control
- •Operations Monitoring
- •Monitoring
- •Active Listening
- •Speaking
- •Critical Thinking
- •Reading Comprehension
Common 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.
Training & Resources
Why AI-Proof?
- ✅Requires hands-on physical presence and dexterity
- ✅Demands human empathy, judgment, and trust
- ✅Operates in unpredictable, variable environments
- ✅Social and regulatory barriers to full automation