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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 53-4011 Locomotive Engineers
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.
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Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
OJT: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brakelines or in main reservoirs. Observe tracks to detect obstructions. Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives. 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. Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains. Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards. Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules. Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations. Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings. Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems. Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays. Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use. Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $24.95   Entry $51,900.00
Mean $31.71   Mean $65,948.00
Experience $35.08 Experience $72,962.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
76078065.26
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53-4011.00 Locomotive Engineers