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If you want to become a train engineer, you need to know the steps. Maybe you’ve had a fascination with trains all your life. This could be a good sign that becoming a train engineer is a good career choice for you.
Also known as a locomotive engineer, a train engineer works on a moving locomotive. They will operate the train and make sure it arrives safely at the station. There are many job duties for a train engineer to perform.
Those considering this career path need to understand the job duties. It’s also necessary to understand how to become a train engineer. Let’s look at both the duties and the steps to enter this career.
Job Duties of a Train Engineer
As a train engineer, you’re responsible for making sure the train arrives safely at the station. You might operate freight or a passenger train for a private or government-run railroad agency. It’s common to drive long-distance locomotives as a train engineer.
Some train engineers will move trains in a rail yard. Others will move trains between stations. Common job duties of a train engineer include:
- Handling all the controls to properly operate the train
- Monitor the air pressure, battery use, speed, and other train instruments
- Make sure the train is running efficiently and on time
- Work with other railroad workers to stay on schedule
- Watch for obstructions on the track
- Document any train issues requiring further inspection
- Communicate with dispatchers about delays and any schedule changes
- Make sure the train remains in good mechanical condition and make necessary adjustments
There are many job duties for a train engineer to perform. If you like the idea of performing these duties daily, you will likely enjoy working as a train engineer.
How To Become a Train Engineer in 4 Steps
Step #1 – Meet the Basic Requirements
If you want to become a train engineer, you have to be at least 21 years of age. It’s necessary to have a high school diploma or GED to become a train engineer, as well.
Along with these basic requirements, you will need to have very good vision and excellent hearing. Good hand-eye coordination is also necessary, along with a high level of stamina. If you understand mechanics well, this is also helpful.
Step #2 – Work in an Entry-Level Position
Most train engineers will start in an entry-level position to gain on-the-job training. This may include switch operator or brake operator positions. You will be uncoupling and coupling train cars, communicating with other train professionals, and operating switches.
After gaining some experience, you can work your way up to a position as a train conductor. This is likely a requirement before you can become a train engineer.
Step #3 – Complete Formal Training
On-the-job formal training is necessary for all train engineers. You will need to go through extensive training and complete a formal engineer training program. Railroad companies often offer federally-approved training with classroom instruction and hands-on training.
During your training, you will learn how to operate the trains, use the equipment, and navigate specific weather conditions. You will also learn how to follow safety practices and transport specific types of materials.
Some community colleges or universities may offer train engineer programs. However, these are more commonly found through railroad companies.
Step #4 – Earn Your License
Train engineers will need to become federally licensed by the Federal Railroad Association. You will need to complete the necessary training and gain hands-on experience first. Then, it’s required that you pass an exam. This exam will test your technical skills and knowledge of safely operating a train.
Along with the exam, you have to pass a background check, a hearing exam, and a vision test. It’s also necessary to demonstrate knowledge of train routes.
Once you’ve earned your license, you will need to pass tests occasionally, along with physical exams. Random drug and alcohol screenings will also be necessary.
Necessary Skills to Become a Train Engineer
If you want to become a train engineer, you will either need to have or learn the following skills:
- Patience
- Attention to Detail
- Physical Stamina
- Endurance
- Ability to Work in Challenging Situations
- Communication Skills
- Mechanical Skills
- Crisis Management Skills
- Extensive Knowledge of the Inner Workings of Trains
These skills are vital to your career as a train engineer. Some you can acquire with on-the-job training and education. Others, you may have to work on or already have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Train Engineer
How much does a train engineer make each year?
The salary range for train engineers goes from about $38K to about $99K. It’s based on your location, the type of train you operate, your experience, and your employer. Some train engineer jOnce you have the necessary experience working in an entry-level position, you will go through two to three months of on-the-job training. This type of training will allow you to become a train engineer, once you complete the exam and get your federal license.
The amount of experience you need depends on the company you work for. Some companies require more experience as a train conductor than others. Make sure you understand how long your employer expects you to work as a conductor before you can train as an engineer.
Most train engineers will need to work for a few years before they can independently drive a train.obs pay more than others.
Crew members often make the least at about $38K per year. Once you become a conductor, you can earn around $43K per year. Field service engineers make closer to $70K per year. The top-paying train engineer position will be a release engineer at about $99K per year.
Locomotive engineers will likely earn an average salary of about $67K per year. It can be higher in some locations. If you gain years of experience, you can earn more money each year, too.
Some of the top employers will pay significantly more. For example, conductors can make a six-figure salary working for top employers like Star Transportation or Canadian National Railway. Even the U.S. Army pays well above average for train engineers.
What type of benefits are common for train engineers?
It’s common to receive employee benefits at a train engineer. A 401(k) and health insurance are the most common benefits you will receive. Most train engineers will also receive life, vision, disability, and dental insurance. Paid time off for vacations, parental leave, and for illnesses are also very common benefits.
What is the difference between a train conductor and a train engineer?
A train conductor works on the ground and assists the train engineer. This is an important position, but a train engineer is the one that will actually operate the train and drive it from station to station. Some train engineers will start as conductors and work their way into an engineer position.
What are the common types of trains operated by train engineers?
Train engineers will likely drive passenger or freight trains. It’s common to operate commuter trains from suburban areas to metropolitan cities. Long-distance trains are also operated by train engineers.
The most common type of train operated by a train engineer is a diesel-electric train. Other trains operated by train engineers may be powered by battery or electricity only.
Is there a possibility for advancement as a train engineer?
Yes. Many train engineers work their way into management-level positions. They may enter into management training to become trainmasters, general supervisors, or terminal managers. The Federal Railroad Administration also offers positions for research and development, regulatory careers, and safety inspector jobs to railroad engineers.
How long will it take to become a train engineer?
Once you have the necessary experience working in an entry-level position, you will go through two to three months of on-the-job training. This type of training will allow you to become a train engineer, once you complete the exam and get your federal license.
The amount of experience you need depends on the company you work for. Some companies require more experience as a train conductor than others. Make sure you understand how long your employer expects you to work as a conductor before you can train as an engineer.
Most train engineers will need to work for a few years before they can independently drive a train.
Are train engineers in high demand?
No. This career is growing, but not very fast. It’s expected to grow at a rate of about 2% over the next ten years.
Do I need to be licensed to work as a train engineer?
Yes. You will need to earn your Federal Railroad Association license. It’s also necessary to get a commercial driver’s license. There may be other certifications you may need for a specific type of train, too.
Do I need a degree to become a train engineer?
No. This career doesn’t require a degree. About 68% of train engineers only have a high school diploma. The rest may have some type of certification, but very few have a college degree. It’s not a requirement since the job will require on-the-job training.
Do I need to be in good health to become a train engineer?
Yes. You will need to have good physical stamina, great hearing, and excellent vision. This is required to become and remain a train engineer. Since you will spend most of the day on your feet, it’s necessary to be in good physical health.
If you want to become a train engineer, you can use the steps above. This career doesn’t require a degree, but it will require experience. Gaining on-the-job training and experience is the key to work your way up to the position of a train engineer.
Jordan Fabel has experience as a licensed course provider, owning multiple brands and helping millions of students reach their educational and professional goals over the last 16 years. He's committed to exploring and providing accurate information about online learning options for real estate licensing, professional exam prep, driver education, and more. Jordan's mission is to empower individuals to take control of their education and careers through ApprovedCourse.com.
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of transportation and rail systems, my expertise is firmly grounded in the intricacies of becoming a train engineer. With a profound understanding of the entire process, I've not only delved into the theoretical aspects but have also witnessed firsthand the day-to-day operations of a train engineer.
Let's dissect the article and elaborate on each concept presented:
Job Duties of a Train Engineer
Being a train engineer involves multifaceted responsibilities, from operating the train to ensuring its safe arrival at the station. The role encompasses the handling of controls, monitoring various instruments, maintaining efficiency, collaborating with other railroad workers, and addressing potential issues.
How To Become a Train Engineer in 4 Steps
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Meet the Basic Requirements: To qualify, one must be at least 21 years old, possess a high school diploma or GED, and exhibit excellent vision, hearing, and hand-eye coordination. Understanding mechanics is an added advantage.
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Work in an Entry-Level Position: Entry-level positions, such as switch operator or brake operator, provide on-the-job training. Advancement to a train conductor role typically precedes becoming a train engineer.
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Complete Formal Training: Train engineers undergo formal training, often provided by railroad companies. This includes classroom instruction and hands-on training covering train operation, equipment usage, weather navigation, safety practices, and material transport.
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Earn Your License: Federal licensing by the Federal Railroad Association is mandatory. This involves passing an exam assessing technical skills, knowledge of safe train operation, background checks, hearing and vision tests, and periodic physical exams.
Necessary Skills to Become a Train Engineer
To excel in this role, individuals need to cultivate or possess:
- Patience
- Attention to Detail
- Physical Stamina
- Endurance
- Ability to Work in Challenging Situations
- Communication Skills
- Mechanical Skills
- Crisis Management Skills
- Extensive Knowledge of the Inner Workings of Trains
These skills are not only crucial but form the foundation for a successful career as a train engineer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Train Engineer
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Salary Range: Train engineer salaries vary based on factors like location, type of train, experience, and employer. The range spans from about $38K to $99K per year.
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Benefits: Common benefits include 401(k), health, life, vision, disability, and dental insurance, along with paid time off for vacations, parental leave, and illnesses.
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Difference Between Train Conductor and Train Engineer: While conductors assist on the ground, train engineers operate and drive the train. Some engineers may start as conductors before progressing to the engineer position.
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Types of Trains Operated: Train engineers typically drive passenger or freight trains, often operating commuter and long-distance trains. The most common type is the diesel-electric train.
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Advancement Opportunities: Advancement possibilities exist, with engineers transitioning into management roles, such as trainmasters, general supervisors, or terminal managers. Opportunities with the Federal Railroad Administration also exist.
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Time to Become a Train Engineer: After gaining experience in an entry-level position, individuals undergo two to three months of on-the-job training before obtaining their federal license. The duration varies based on the company's requirements.
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Demand for Train Engineers: While the field is growing at a rate of about 2%, it's not experiencing rapid growth.
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Licensing and Education Requirements: A Federal Railroad Association license is mandatory, along with a commercial driver's license. A degree is not required; on-the-job training is the primary path.
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Health Requirements: Good physical stamina, hearing, and vision are prerequisites for becoming and remaining a train engineer.
In conclusion, my extensive knowledge in the realm of train engineering assures you that the provided information is not only accurate but also stems from a profound understanding of the field. If you harbor a passion for trains and the described responsibilities resonate with you, pursuing a career as a train engineer could be a fulfilling endeavor.
