Locomotive Engineers and Operators

Job Zone

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed

Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

O’NET publishes details below this occupation’s level. Showing Locomotive Engineers — one of 2 occupations here: Locomotive Engineers, Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

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.98
Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.96
Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.95
Observe tracks to detect obstructions.92
Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.92
Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.87
Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.86
Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.86
Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.85
Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.85
Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.82
Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.75

Show all 15 →

Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.73
Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.69
Drive diesel-electric rail-detector cars to transport rail-flaw-detecting machines over tracks.47

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Operation and Control81
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring78
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Monitoring72
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking66
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening63
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking60
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making56
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Time Management50
Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Show all 35 →

Writing47
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Quality Control Analysis44
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Social Perceptiveness44
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Learning Strategies41
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Troubleshooting41
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Management of Personnel Resources38
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics38
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Instructing35
Teaching others how to do something.
Service Orientation35
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Persuasion28
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Systems Analysis28
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Equipment Maintenance25
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Negotiation25
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Repairing25
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Systems Evaluation25
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources19
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources19
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Operations Analysis16
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Selection13
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Technology Design6
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Programming0
Writing computer programs for various purposes.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Transportation74
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Public Safety and Security63
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Mechanical57
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Mathematics51
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Customer and Personal Service47
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Education and Training44
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
English Language44
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Law and Government44
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Physics39
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
Administration and Management37
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Computers and Electronics36
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Engineering and Technology36
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Show all 33 →

Communications and Media34
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Telecommunications32
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Production and Processing29
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Building and Construction27
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Administrative26
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
Economics and Accounting25
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
Personnel and Human Resources25
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Chemistry24
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Design24
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Sales and Marketing18
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology14
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Sociology and Anthropology14
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Geography12
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Medicine and Dentistry9
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
History and Archeology8
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Biology7
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Philosophy and Theology7
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Therapy and Counseling7
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Foreign Language4
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Fine Arts1
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Food Production0
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Selective Attention78
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Far Vision75
The ability to see details at a distance.
Control Precision72
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Depth Perception72
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Perceptual Speed72
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Problem Sensitivity72
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Response Orientation72
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Auditory Attention69
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Flexibility of Closure69
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Information Ordering69
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Near Vision69
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Show all 52 →

Oral Expression69
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Reaction Time69
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Inductive Reasoning66
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Multilimb Coordination66
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Rate Control66
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Deductive Reasoning56
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Glare Sensitivity56
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Hearing Sensitivity56
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Time Sharing56
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Written Comprehension53
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Speech Clarity50
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Speech Recognition50
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Trunk Strength50
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visual Color Discrimination50
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Visualization50
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Written Expression50
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Finger Dexterity47
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Sound Localization47
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
Spatial Orientation47
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Closure47
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Peripheral Vision44
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Night Vision41
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Wrist-Finger Speed41
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Mathematical Reasoning38
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility35
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Static Strength35
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Fluency of Ideas28
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Gross Body Equilibrium28
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Speed of Limb Movement28
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Dynamic Strength25
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Memorization25
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality25
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Explosive Strength22
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Dynamic Flexibility0
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Controlling Machines and Processes87
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment86
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Getting Information85
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials82
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems79
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings77
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Processing Information77
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Performing General Physical Activities76
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events74
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards73
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Handling and Moving Objects70
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Show all 41 →

Training and Teaching Others65
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Documenting/Recording Information64
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work64
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge63
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Thinking Creatively60
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others59
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People58
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Developing Objectives and Strategies56
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Coaching and Developing Others55
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Analyzing Data or Information53
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Scheduling Work and Activities52
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others51
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment51
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information49
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships48
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others48
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public47
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Assisting and Caring for Others46
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates45
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others40
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Developing and Building Teams39
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources37
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Working with Computers36
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment34
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment27
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Selling or Influencing Others26
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization22
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities22
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Staffing Organizational Units19
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Dependability100
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Cautiousness91
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Attention to Detail86
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Stress Tolerance76
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Integrity72
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Self-Control69
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Perseverance63
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Self-Confidence45
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Achievement Orientation39
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Cooperation31
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Adaptability30
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Optimism14
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.

Show all 14 →

Sincerity14
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Intellectual Curiosity13
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Realistic100
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional61
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative42
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Enterprising15
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Social14
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Every day98%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility79%
- High responsibility21%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day77%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Every day81%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day89%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility66%
- High responsibility29%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day80%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious78%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Every day72%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important57%
- Very important34%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day64%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- More than half the time23%
- About half the time23%

Show all 57 →

Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others49%
- Contact with others most of the time28%
- Contact with others about half the time21%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results46%
- Important results33%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important53%
- Important19%
- Fairly important21%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time27%
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time17%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually34%
- More than half the time36%
- About half the time15%
- Less than half the time16%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours53%
- 40 hours36%
- Less than 40 hours11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom42%
- Some freedom20%
- Limited freedom29%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Every day49%
- Once a week or more but not every day30%
- Never21%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Never15%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Every day34%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never11%
Time Pressure
- Every day45%
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never19%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important41%
- Very important22%
- Not important at all20%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Every day47%
- Once a month or more but not every week26%
- Never23%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important25%
- Very important32%
- Important15%
- Fairly important29%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom32%
- Limited freedom36%
- Very little freedom13%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week43%
- Never11%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)52%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)29%
E-Mail
- Every day26%
- Once a week or more but not every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week21%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never21%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Every day44%
- Never47%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually11%
- About half the time36%
- Less than half the time32%
- Never13%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Every day29%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Never51%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Every day23%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month13%
- Never40%
Conflict Situations
- Once a week or more but not every day23%
- Once a month or more but not every week13%
- Once a year or more but not every month40%
- Never17%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important15%
- Important25%
- Fairly important22%
- Not important at all30%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a week or more but not every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week28%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time17%
- About half the time34%
- Less than half the time32%
- Never17%
Work Schedules
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)56%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)35%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually11%
- Less than half the time74%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day21%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never44%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never39%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important25%
- Important11%
- Fairly important12%
- Not important at all50%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Every day17%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a year or more but not every month12%
- Never55%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day15%
- Once a week or more but not every day13%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Never56%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- More than half the time15%
- Less than half the time71%
- Never11%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Less than half the time89%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time71%
- Never20%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Once a week or more but not every day15%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never47%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never60%
Exposed to High Places
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never62%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive19%
- Slightly competitive34%
- Not at all competitive45%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
- Never80%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month31%
- Never69%
Degree of Automation
- Slightly automated13%
- Not at all automated77%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Once a year or more but not every month19%
- Never81%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Less than high school diploma

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Expert system software
Electronic train management systems ETMS
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Route navigation software
Route mapping software
Time accounting software
Time tracking software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Monitor equipment gauges or displays to ensure proper operation.
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.
Monitor availability of equipment or supplies.
Respond to transportation emergencies.
Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
Monitor operational quality or safety.
Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Monitor loading processes to ensure they are performed properly.
Prepare accident or incident reports.

Show all 14 →

Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites.
Drive vehicles to transport individuals or equipment.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Locomotive Engineer

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology