Railroad Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$125K

Preparation

Some

Growth

2.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Railroad Engineer?

A Railroad Engineer operates and drives trains, ensuring safe and timely transportation of passengers or freight. They are responsible for the mechanical operation of the train, adherence to railroad regulations, and response to any rail conditions or emergencies.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Railroad Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Railroad Engineer earn

Income data is from Canada's latest census. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Railroad Engineer.

$125K

CAD per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $61K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Railroad Engineer do?

Work environment

Railroad Engineers work in the locomotive cabin, handling the train's controls. The environment requires adaptability to various weather conditions and geographical terrains. Work schedules often include nights, weekends, and holidays, with potential for long hours during extended trips.

Quick task list

Operates trains in accordance with railroad rules and regulations.
Monitors the train's instruments, such as speed, air pressure, and battery use.
Conducts pre-trip inspections and routine maintenance checks.
Communicates with dispatch centers, rail yards, and other trains.
Responds to signals, changing weather, and emergency situations.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Freight Train Engineer: Specializing in the operation of freight trains, managing the transport of goods.
Passenger Train Engineer: Operating passenger trains, focusing on comfort and timeliness.
Yard Engineer: Working in rail yards, handling the movement of trains for assembly and disassembly.
High-Speed Rail Engineer: Operating high-speed trains, requiring specialized training for high velocities.
Route Management Specialist: Specializing in specific routes and understanding unique geographical challenges.

Description

Railroad Engineers are vital to the transportation sector, ensuring the efficient and safe operation of trains. Their role requires a deep understanding of the locomotive's mechanics and the railway network. Engineers must be alert, able to make quick decisions, and capable of handling high-stress situations, especially in emergencies. They must also have a strong commitment to safety, adhering strictly to all operating procedures and regulations.

Good communication skills are essential, as engineers coordinate closely with dispatchers, conductors, and other train crew members. They need to be able to interpret signals, track conditions, and instructions accurately. Physical stamina is also important, as they may work long hours and handle complex control systems.

This career offers the satisfaction of managing large-scale machinery and playing a crucial role in either passenger travel or the movement of goods. The job combines technical skills with the responsibility of safe transport, making it both challenging and rewarding.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Operating and mastering complex locomotive machinery.
The autonomy of managing a train's journey.
Contributing to the critical transportation of people or goods.
The variety and challenge presented by different routes and conditions.

You might make a good Railroad Engineer if you are...

Interested in mechanics and large machinery.
Capable of making quick, responsible decisions.
Vigilant, with a strong focus on safety and detail.
Able to communicate effectively with various team members.
Comfortable with irregular hours and the unique lifestyle of railway work.

Pros:

The pride of operating large, complex machinery.
Key role in an essential industry.
Opportunities for career growth and specialization.

Cons:

Long, irregular hours, often away from home.
High responsibility and potential stress, especially in emergencies.
Physically demanding work environment.

How to become a Railroad Engineer

Typical education

A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Most Railroad Engineers receive extensive on-the-job training and may also undergo formal training programs offered by employers or technical schools. Licensure from relevant railroad authorities and regular recertification are often required.

High school preparation

Courses:

Technical and vocational training for mechanical understanding.
Mathematics for handling calculations and schedules.
Physics to understand principles of motion and mechanics.
Communication classes for effective coordination skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Model railroad clubs to understand rail operations.
Team sports for teamwork and communication skills.
Part-time jobs or volunteering in logistics or mechanical roles.

Preparation after high school

On-the-job training programs provided by rail companies.
Technical school courses in railroad operations or mechanical engineering.
Certification programs for specific types of locomotives or rail systems.
Apprenticeships or mentorship programs under experienced engineers.

More resources

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) - Regulatory body providing guidelines and safety standards.
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) - Offers resources and support for locomotive engineers.
National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRCMA) - Provides information on training and career development in the railroad industry.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.