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How much do amtrak driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for amtrak driver in the United States is $16.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $16.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired by Amtrak?

Getting hired as an Amtrak driver involves a competitive application process that includes background checks, drug testing, and training. Candidates typically need relevant experience, a valid commercial driver's license, and a clean driving record, making the hiring process somewhat selective.

What is an Amtrak Driver job?

An Amtrak Driver is commonly referred to as a Locomotive Engineer. They operate trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight. Their responsibilities include monitoring speed, braking, and communication with dispatchers. They must adhere to strict safety regulations and respond to track signals. Extensive training and certification are required for this position.

How hard is it to get a job driving a train?

Getting a job as an Amtrak driver requires meeting specific qualifications, including a valid commercial driver's license, passing background checks, and completing extensive training and safety certifications. Candidates often need prior experience in transportation or operating heavy machinery, and the hiring process can be competitive due to the specialized skills required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Amtrak Driver position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Amtrak Driver, you need a strong understanding of railroad operations, mechanical aptitude, and compliance with safety regulations, typically backed by a high school diploma or equivalent and completion of a formal conductor or engineer training program. Familiarity with train control systems, communication radios, and possessing Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) certification are essential. Excellent situational awareness, calm decision-making, and effective teamwork set top performers apart in this position. These abilities are crucial for ensuring passenger safety, maintaining schedules, and navigating complex rail networks efficiently.

Does Amtrak pay every week?

Amtrak drivers are typically paid on a biweekly basis, meaning they receive their paycheck every two weeks. Payment schedules can vary depending on the specific employment agreement and location, but weekly pay is not standard for this role.

How much money do Amtrak train drivers make?

Amtrak train drivers, also known as locomotive engineers, typically earn an average salary of around $70,000 to $100,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and seniority. They require specialized training and certification to operate trains safely and efficiently.

What are the typical working hours and shift patterns for an Amtrak Driver?

Amtrak Drivers generally work in shifts that can include early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays, as passenger rail service operates around the clock to meet travel demands. Shifts are often determined based on seniority and the particular route, and some schedules may require being on call for unexpected trips or service changes. While these hours can be demanding, many employees appreciate the potential for overtime pay and the structured breaks built into longer routes. Understanding and adapting to shift-based work is an important aspect of succeeding in this role.

More about Amtrak Driver jobs
What cities are hiring for Amtrak Driver jobs? Cities with the most Amtrak Driver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Amtrak Driver jobs? The most popular types of Amtrak Driver jobs are:
What states have the most Amtrak Driver jobs? States with the most job openings for Amtrak Driver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Amtrak Driver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Amtrak Driver jobs are:
Amtrak Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Amtrak Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $33,840 per year, or $16.3 per hour.
PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90190288 - Richmond

PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90190288 - Richmond

Amtrak

Richmond, VA • On-site

$34.42 - $35.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Amtrak rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 144 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 77 rated public transport

Job description

Your success is a train ride away!

As we move America’s workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Are you ready to join our team?

Our values of ‘Do the Right Thing, Excel Together and Put Customers First’ are at the heart of what matters most to us, and our Core Capabilities, ‘Building Trust, Accountability, Effective Communication, Customer Focus, and Proactive Safety & Security’ are what every employee needs to know and do to be most impactful at Amtrak. By living the Amtrak values, focusing on our capabilities, and actively embracing and fostering diverse ideas, backgrounds, and perspectives, together we will honor our past and make Amtrak a company of the future.

Job Summary

Consistently and safely operate locomotives and trains in compliance with federal regulations and corporate policies. Operates equipment during varying work hours within a 24/7 transportation environment maintaining alertness, situational awareness and vigilance. Thinks and functions independently and utilizes clear and effective verbal communication skills in interaction with fellow crew members and other personnel responsible for safe and efficient train movement.

Minimum Qualifications
  • H.S. Diploma or GED Required.
  • Some work experience demonstrates the ability to maintain alertness, awareness and vigilance, as well as clear, effective verbal communication skills in the performance of work. Satisfactory attendance and safe work record. Prior railroad operating experience and work history that demonstrates the ability to adapt to variable and often changing work hours preferred.
  • Although a driver’s license is not required, applicants with a driver’s license must provide a certified copy of motor vehicle driving record from the chief of the state driver’s licensing agency in which the applicant was last issued a license and any license(s) issued or reissued from other state(s) within the preceding 60 months. Motor vehicle records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 36 months. 2. Must have a motor vehicle driving record void of any convictions or state action canceling, revoking, suspending or denying a driver’s license for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of or impaired by alcohol or a controlled substance within the last 36 months or a record of refusal to undergo such testing as required by state law within the last 36 months. 3. Must sign a release of records authorizing all previous railroad employees to provide Amtrak with background information, if applicable. In accordance with FRA regulations, previous railroad service records must be void of any drug and alcohol violations within the previous 60 months.
  • If selected, incumbent will be required to successfully complete Engineer Training as follows: 8-10 weeks classroom and field work while headquartered at Amtrak’s Training Center in Wilmington, DE; followed by extensive qualifying and on-the-job training associated with the Crew Base for which hired; paid at the student training rate until incumbent achieves certification as a Class 1 Train Service Engineer.
  • Individuals currently certified as Class 1 Train Service Engineers are paid at the rate determined by the agreement schedule. 
  • Incumbents are subject to periodic medical examinations including random drug and alcohol screenings.
  • Applicants for this position will be expected to meet the criteria for vision, color vision, and hearing set forth by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) in 49 CFR 240.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Some college or vocational training.
Communications and Interpersonal Skills

Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.

The hourly range is $34.42 – $35.62 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment). 

Health and WellbeingFinancial and RetirementWork and Family Life SupportHealth, Dental, and Vision Insurance401K Rail Pass PrivilegesWellness ProgramsRailroad Retirement BenefitsEmployee Assistance ProgramMedical Plan Opt-out CreditLife InsuranceCommuter and Flexible Spending AccountsNo-cost Personal Health AdvocateNo-cost Financial Advisor SessionFertility and Family Building Benefits

Some benefits are subject to the collective bargaining agreement. Learn more about our benefits offerings here.

Requisition ID:166669
Posting Location(s):Virginia

Relocation Offered:No
Travel Requirements:Up to 100%
You power our progress through your performance.

We want your work at Amtrak to be more than a job. We want your career at Amtrak to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging work, rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, and attractive compensation. Amtrak maintains a culture that values high performance and recognizes individual employee contributions.


Amtrak is committed to a safe workplace free of drugs and alcohol. All Amtrak positions requires a pre-employment background check that includes prior employment verification, a criminal history check and a pre-employment drug screen.

Candidates who test positive for marijuana will be disqualified, regardless of any state or local statute, ordinance, regulation, or other law that legalizes or decriminalizes the use or possession of marijuana, whether for medical, recreational, or other use. Amtrak's pre-employment drug testing program is administered in accordance with DOT regulations and applicable law.


In accordance with DOT regulations (49 CFR § 40.25), Amtrak is required to obtain prior drug and alcohol testing records for applicants/employees intending to perform safety-sensitive duties for covered Department of Transportation positions. If an applicant/employee refuses to provide written consent for Amtrak to obtain these records, the individual will not be permitted to perform safety-sensitive functions.

In accordance with federal law governing security checks of covered individuals for providers of public transportation (Title 6 U.S.C. §1143), Amtrak is required to screen applicants for any permanent or interim disqualifying criminal offenses.


Note that any education requirement listed above may be deemed satisfied if you have an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Amtrak is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race/color, to include traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to, hair texture and hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related conditions, such as lactation), national origin/ethnicity, disability (intellectual, mental and physical), veteran status, marital status, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, genetic information, citizenship or any other personal characteristics protected by law.

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About Amtrak

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As we move America's workforce toward the future, Amtrak connects businesses and communities across the country. We employ more than 20,000 diverse, energetic professionals in a variety of career fields throughout the United States. The safety of our passengers, our employees, the public and our operating environment is our priority, and the success of our railroad is due to our employees.

Industry

Travel arrangement services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

1971

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