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Highlights

1. Train engineers manage long-distance and commuter trains, overseeing various train aspects.
2. To become a train engineer, one must be at least 21 and possess a high school diploma or GED.
3. Licensing by the Federal Railroad Association is mandatory, involving exams, background checks, and ongoing assessments.
4. Zippia's data science team projects a 4% job growth rate for train engineers from 2018 to 2028. 
5. The average annual salary of a train engineer is $67,544, with total earnings of around $72,220.

You might dream of driving those big trains you see rolling across the country. If becoming a train engineer in 2025 is something you're thinking about, you're not alone. To become a train engineer, you'll need a mix of education, hands-on experience, and a good understanding of how trains work.

So, in this guide, we’ll discuss how to become a train engineer and what they do. Also, we’ll discuss the educational requirements, job outlook, and salary to help you reach your goal of becoming a train engineer. Continue reading to discover more about this profession:

What Does A Train Engineer Do?

Before discovering how to become a train engineer, let’s learn about their duties. A train engineer, also called a locomotive engineer, drives trains for either government or private railroad companies. They operate long-distance and commuter trains but not subway trains. Some engineers move trains between stations, while others work within train yards. Their main tasks include:

1. Using different controls to drive the train
2. Watching over speed, air pressure, battery usage, and other indicators to keep the train running well
3. Working with other railroad staff and conductors to keep the train on time
4. Keeping an eye out for anything blocking the tracks
5. Checking the train's mechanical condition and fixing things if needed
6. Writing down any problems with the train for further inspection
7. Talking to dispatchers to get updates on any delays or changes to the schedule.

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How To Become A Railroad Engineer?

A railroad engineer or train engineer must be at least 21 years old. They must have a high school diploma or a GED and complete an engineering training program. Although, postsecondary training isn't required to become a train engineer. However, getting a degree or certifications related to engineering training may help you get noticed by employers. 

Below are several train engineer requirements and important steps that you must follow: 

Meet the Basic Requirements

1. You must be at least 21 years old and have a high school diploma or GED.
2. You should have good vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination.
3. Understanding mechanics and being physically fit is important.

Get an Entry-level Job

1. Start by applying for jobs like switch operator or brake operator in a railroad agency or private railroad business.
2. These jobs involve tasks like coupling and uncoupling train cars and operating switches.

If you haven’t made your resume yet, read our guide on the top 10 skills to list on the resume to land high-paying jobs. 

Get Trained

1. You'll need to undergo on-the-job training and formal training programs.
2. Many railroad companies offer training programs that teach you how to operate trains safely in different conditions and handle various materials.
3. Some community colleges and universities also offer training programs.

Get Your License

1. You must be licensed and certified by the Federal Railroad Association.
2. After completing training and gaining experience, you must pass an exam testing your knowledge and skills.
3. You'll also need to pass hearing and vision tests, undergo a background check, and show your knowledge of train routes.
4. To keep your license, you'll need to pass periodic tests, physical exams, and random drug and alcohol screenings.

How to Get Licensed as a Train Engineer?

Most train engineers get their training from a railroad company. However, you can also attend a training course at a university, community college, or technical school. No matter where you go, the training program must follow federal guidelines. 

These guidelines require classroom learning, simulator training, and hands-on practice. Once you finish the training, you must pass a criminal background check and a medical screening to get your engineer's license.

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What is the Work Schedule of a Train Engineer?

Now you know how to become a train engineer, let’s move on to the work schedule. If you become a locomotive engineer, your work hours might be unusual. This includes working during nights, holidays, and weekends. You should be ready to be on call all the time, 24/7. 

Some railroad companies pay extra if you work more than 8 hours daily. Being a locomotive engineer means dealing with tight deadlines and lots of travel. You usually get a two-hour notice before starting work and find out which train you'll be operating in another city.

The job involves working in different weather conditions, like hot, cold, dusty, dry, or humid. The noise levels can also be moderate to high due to nearby machinery and equipment.

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Job Outlook of Train Engineers

After doing a lot of research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found the following:

1. Train engineers' expected job growth rate is 4% from 2018 to 2028.
2. Around 3,100 new jobs for locomotive engineers are expected to be available in the next ten years.
3. In the last 5 years, locomotive engineer salaries have increased by 25%.
4. Currently, more than 20,199 locomotive engineers are working in the United States.
5. There are 1,005 active job openings for locomotive engineers in the US.

While the growth might be slower, there will still be opportunities because many train engineers will retire or move on to better-paying jobs. 

How Much Does a Train Engineer Make?

According to Glassdoor, the expected total earnings for a trained Engineer in the US are around $72,220 per year. They earn an average salary of $67,544 per year. 

Their extra estimated pay is $4,676 per year from cash bonuses, commissions, tips, and profit sharing. Most likely, their total pay range is between $57K - $92K/yr.

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Summary

After reading our guide on how to become a train engineer, you’ve learnt about the various aspects of this profession. You must meet basic requirements, acquire essential training and obtain a license to become a train engineer. Also, despite the challenging work schedule and demanding conditions, the job outlook remains positive. The increasing salaries and the current demand for over 1,000 locomotive engineers underscore the significance of this profession. 

FAQs

How Long Does It Take To Become A Train Engineer?

It takes 2-3 years to become a train engineer. During this period, you must complete 5-6 months on-the-job training and a 24 months training program to get your license.