Salary Range
Low (10th %)$59,450
Median$74,770
High (90th %)$92,670
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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.
The occupation of "Locomotive Engineers" has an automation risk of 54.8%, closely mirroring its base risk of 55.4%. This means that slightly more than half of the core tasks performed by locomotive engineers are susceptible to automation in the near to medium term. The moderate risk level can be attributed to the nature of their work, which involves both routine, rule-based activities and more nuanced, situational decision-making. While technological advancements such as automated train controls and communication systems have made many aspects of train operation increasingly automatable, certain responsibilities still require human oversight. This split in automatable versus resistant tasks makes the occupation neither at immediate risk of widespread automation nor completely shielded from it. The top three most automatable tasks for locomotive engineers include interpreting train orders and railroad rules, communicating with conductors or traffic controllers via radiophones, and operating controls to drive various types of locomotives. These tasks are heavily rule-bound and procedural, which makes them attractive targets for automation through computer vision, artificial intelligence, and advanced control systems already in use in modern railroads. The ability to process signals, follow structured instructions, and execute precise operational commands can often be replicated with software and hardware, resulting in reduced need for human input in these specific areas. Automated train operations, for instance, are already operational in several urban rail networks, highlighting the feasibility of automating these core functions. On the other hand, the tasks most resistant to automation involve monitoring loading procedures to prevent damage, ensuring that critical documentation is present and available, and preparing reports about operational problems and incidents. These tasks rely on contextual awareness, judgment, and detailed reporting that depend on human experience and on-the-spot decision-making. Additionally, they often require the ability to address unique, unpredictable situations that automation currently struggles to adequately handle. Bottleneck skills such as originality, which measures how often the job requires coming up with new ideas or creative solutions, are present but at a low level (2.0%), indicating that while some creativity and adaptability are demanded, these are not the primary skills defining the occupation. As technology continues to evolve, maintaining resilience in this occupation will likely depend on these resistant, higher-complexity human tasks.
Filter by Automatable Status
Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.
Partially Automatable
Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
Partially Automatable
Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.
Automatable
Observe tracks to detect obstructions.
Automatable
Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.
Partially Automatable
Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.
Non-Automatable
Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.
Partially Automatable
Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.
Partially Automatable
Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.
Partially Automatable
Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
Partially Automatable
Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.
Partially Automatable
Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.
Partially Automatable
Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.
Partially Automatable
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.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningActive LearningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingInstallationEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Material ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionProgrammingOperations MonitoringOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsForeign LanguageEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationFine ArtsTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsGetting InformationProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesDocumenting/Recording InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
Medium65.75%
Schedule and dispatch workers, work crews, equipment, or service vehicles for conveyance of materials, freight, or passengers, or for normal installation, service, or emergency repairs rendered outside the place of business. Duties may include using radio, telephone, or computer to transmit assignments and compiling statistics and reports on work progress.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Medium39.01%
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
Low26.56%
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engines. Includes mechanics working primarily with automobile or marine diesel engines.
Signal and Track Switch Repairers
Low30.94%
Install, inspect, test, maintain, or repair electric gate crossings, signals, signal equipment, track switches, section lines, or intercommunications systems within a railroad system.
Power Distributors and Dispatchers
Medium63.42%
Coordinate, regulate, or distribute electricity or steam.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators
Medium43.49%
Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
Air Traffic Controllers
Medium54.48%
Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate, and control commercial airline flights according to government or company regulations to expedite and ensure flight safety.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Medium46.13%
Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). May be required to unload truck. Requires commercial drivers' license. Includes tow truck drivers.
Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
Medium40.89%
Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Medium40.83%
Operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. May couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Watch for and relay traffic signals. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. May watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Medium56.73%
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Subway and Streetcar Operators
High66.85%
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Ship Engineers
Medium39.11%
Supervise and coordinate activities of crew engaged in operating and maintaining engines, boilers, deck machinery, and electrical, sanitary, and refrigeration equipment aboard ship.
Traffic Technicians
Medium59.96%
Conduct field studies to determine traffic volume, speed, effectiveness of signals, adequacy of lighting, and other factors influencing traffic conditions, under direction of traffic engineer.
Transportation Inspectors
Medium58.03%
Inspect equipment or goods in connection with the safe transport of cargo or people. Includes rail transportation inspectors, such as freight inspectors, rail inspectors, and other inspectors of transportation vehicles not elsewhere classified.
Aviation Inspectors
Medium49.28%
Inspect aircraft, maintenance procedures, air navigational aids, air traffic controls, and communications equipment to ensure conformance with Federal safety regulations.
Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
Medium49.50%
Inspect and monitor transportation equipment, vehicles, or systems to ensure compliance with regulations and safety standards.
Hoist and Winch Operators
Low24.71%
Operate or tend hoists or winches to lift and pull loads using power-operated cable equipment.
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
Medium46.81%
Operate industrial trucks or tractors equipped to move materials around a warehouse, storage yard, factory, construction site, or similar location.
Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders
Medium44.23%
Load and unload chemicals and bulk solids, such as coal, sand, and grain, into or from tank cars, trucks, or ships, using material moving equipment. May perform a variety of other tasks relating to shipment of products. May gauge or sample shipping tanks and test them for leaks.
Firefighters
Low13.98%
Control and extinguish fires or respond to emergency situations where life, property, or the environment is at risk. Duties may include fire prevention, emergency medical service, hazardous material response, search and rescue, and disaster assistance.
Transit and Railroad Police
Low32.83%
Protect and police railroad and transit property, employees, or passengers.
Crossing Guards and Flaggers
Medium47.59%
Guide or control vehicular or pedestrian traffic at such places as streets, schools, railroad crossings, or construction sites.
Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers
Medium52.34%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft, usually on scheduled air carrier routes, for the transport of passengers and cargo. Requires Federal Air Transport certificate and rating for specific aircraft type used. Includes regional, national, and international airline pilots and flight instructors of airline pilots.
Commercial Pilots
Medium45.15%
Pilot and navigate the flight of fixed-wing aircraft on nonscheduled air carrier routes, or helicopters. Requires Commercial Pilot certificate. Includes charter pilots with similar certification, and air ambulance and air tour pilots. Excludes regional, national, and international airline pilots.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Medium55.65%
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Light Truck Drivers
Medium51.40%
Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver. May load and unload vehicle.
Bus Drivers, School
Medium48.53%
Drive a school bus to transport students. Ensure adherence to safety rules. May assist students in boarding or exiting.
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Medium58.38%
Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage. May assist passengers with baggage. May collect fares or tickets.
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Medium54.81%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis. May collect a fare. Includes nonemergency medical transporters and hearse drivers.
Taxi Drivers
Medium45.31%
Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on an unplanned basis and charge a fare, usually based on a meter.
Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
Medium46.86%
Command or supervise operations of ships and water vessels, such as tugboats and ferryboats. Required to hold license issued by U.S. Coast Guard.
Motorboat Operators
Medium33.94%
Operate small motor-driven boats. May assist in navigational activities.
Bridge and Lock Tenders
Medium54.95%
Operate and tend bridges, canal locks, and lighthouses to permit marine passage on inland waterways, near shores, and at danger points in waterway passages. May supervise such operations. Includes drawbridge operators, lock operators, and slip bridge operators.