ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Freight Train Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Rail Management Services

Train Conductor

Ennis, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

No experience is required in this entry level position as we'll teach you everything you need to ... Responsible for assisting the Train Engineer with the movement of rail equipment (locomotives, rail ...

Rail Management Services

Train Conductor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

No experience in required in this entry level position as we'll teach you everything you need to ... Responsible for assisting the Train Engineer with the movement of rail equipment (locomotives, rail ...

CSX Corporation

Freight Conductor - Hinton, WV

Hinton, WV · On-site

$2.9K/wk

A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train ... Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority * This position is governed by a ...

CSX Corporation

Freight Conductor - Miami, FL

Miami, FL · On-site

$2.9K/wk

A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train ... Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority * This position is governed by a ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFreight Train Engineer JobsEntry Level Freight Train Engineer Jobs

Entry Level Freight Train Engineer information

See salary details

$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do entry level freight train engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level freight train engineer in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for train engineers?

The demand for entry-level freight train engineers is expected to grow as freight transportation remains essential for the economy. Rail companies often seek qualified engineers with certifications and safety training, and employment opportunities can vary based on industry needs and regional infrastructure development.

How to become a railroad engineer with no experience?

To become an entry-level freight train engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. They usually start as a train conductor or apprentice, gaining experience and learning safety protocols, and may need to obtain a locomotive engineer certification or license depending on the region's regulations.

How hard is it to become a freight train engineer?

Becoming a freight train engineer typically requires completing a training program, gaining on-the-job experience, and obtaining certification from the Federal Railroad Administration. Candidates usually need a valid driver's license, good safety record, and the ability to operate train controls and communicate effectively. The process can take several months to a year depending on the employer and training program.

What is the difference between Entry Level Freight Train Engineer vs Conductor?

AspectEntry Level Freight Train EngineerConductor
CredentialsHigh school diploma, locomotive engineer certification, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate trains, monitor controls, work in locomotive cabSupervise train operations, coordinate crew, work on the ground
Industry UsageResponsible for driving freight trains, part of rail transportation industryManage train crew, ensure safety, communication with engineers

Entry Level Freight Train Engineers focus on operating trains and ensuring safety from the locomotive cab, while Conductors oversee train operations, coordinate crew, and handle communication. Both roles are essential in freight rail transportation, but they differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

What are entry-level BNSF positions?

Entry-level freight train engineer positions at BNSF typically involve operating freight locomotives under supervision and require a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a freight endorsement. Candidates often need to complete training programs, pass background checks, and demonstrate safety awareness before starting on the job. These roles usually involve shift work and adherence to safety protocols.
More about Entry Level Freight Train Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Freight Train Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Freight Train Engineer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Freight Train Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Freight Train Engineer jobs are:
Entry Level Freight Train Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Freight Train Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Railroad Freight Train Engineer - Onset, MA; Hyannis, MA; Taunton, MA

Massachusetts Coastal Railroad LLC

Taunton, MA • On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Category
Transportation
Description
The Railroad Freight Train Engineer operates a locomotive and interprets train orders, train signals, and railroad rules and regulations to transport freight or passenger trains in a safe, efficient manner. All work at Mass Coastal is performed in accordance with FRA, industry, and company standards and guidelines, procedures, and specifications. Mass Coastal offers complete and detailed training for this position, competitive pay, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and advancement. Operating in a safe manner will take place over any other job function. This position reports to our Trainmaster. This is an at-will position governed by the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad (MCRR) Employee Handbook, NORAC, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and any other applicable rules and regulations in effect.
Engineer Primary Responsibilities:
  • Operate equipment while monitoring signals and other devices to safely and efficiently operate train.
  • Perform required tests and make inspections of equipment and brakes as required.
  • Think and function independently while maintaining alertness, situational awareness, and vigilance to maintain safety.
  • Apply knowledge of territory, including terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings, in order to give prescribed warning signals and to otherwise operate the train in a safe manner
  • Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications, and railroad rules and regulations to operate the locomotive in an efficient and safe manner
  • Observe track to detect obstructions and to anticipate operating problems, as required by federal or company rules
  • Notify proper authorities and prepare reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays
  • Confer with conductor or traffic-control personnel to give or receive information and to give instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
  • Comply with all related safety and communication rules and procedures.

Position Requirements
Train Engineer Requirements:
  • High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
  • 1 or more years as Train Engineer experience required
  • Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information.
  • Ability to see railroad colors and see details at a distance.
  • Possess excellent listening, oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with others at different levels of expertise.
  • Highly responsible, organized and detailed oriented.
  • Ability to pass training and required testing.
  • Ability to think and act quickly in responding to emergency and non-emergency situations. Ability to adhere to all safety rules and regulations to ensure ethe safety of the crew and passengers.
  • Ability to make independent judgments using sound reasoning skills and knowledge base.
  • Weekend availability
  • Work Location: Reporting location varies from Taunton, New Bedford, Fall River, Hyannis, Wareham and Onset.
  • Must be able to work in an extremely loud work environment; and in all weather conditions. Must possess physical agility and be able to get on/off train equipment, move between cars, bend, lift, stretch, reach and safely ride the side of the train.
  • Applicant must be currently authorized to work permanently in the United States.
  • Driver's License (Required)

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
City
State
Position
Railroad Freight Train Conductor
Division
MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL RAILROAD LLC
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Open Date
7/16/2026
This position is currently accepting applications.

Apply