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Locomotive Engineer Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Negaunee, MI Cleveland-Cliffs, Lake Superior & Ishpeming Railroad, Inc. has an immediate opportunity for a Locomotive Conductor/Engineer (Congineer) role at our Negaunee, MI location. This role is ...

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The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees ...

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Locomotive Engineer Conductor information

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$17

$26

$41

How much do locomotive engineer conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer conductor in the United States is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Locomotive Engineer Conductor vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectLocomotive Engineer Conductor
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, safety certifications, train operation training
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, rail yards, depots
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger services
Primary RoleOperate and manage train movement, ensure safety

Train Dispatchers coordinate train movements from a central control center, focusing on scheduling and routing, whereas Locomotive Engineer Conductors operate trains and oversee onboard safety. Both roles are essential in rail operations but differ in location, responsibilities, and required certifications.

What are Locomotive Engineer Conductors?

Locomotive Engineer Conductors are train crew members responsible for operating and managing trains. They ensure the safe movement of trains by following schedules, signals, and regulations, and may also oversee the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. Their duties typically include communicating with dispatchers, inspecting equipment, and monitoring train systems for any issues. This role requires adherence to safety protocols, attention to detail, and often involves working irregular hours. Training, certification, and knowledge of railway operations are essential for this position.

What engineers make $500,000?

Locomotive engineers and conductors typically do not earn $500,000 annually. High salaries in the transportation industry are usually associated with executive roles or specialized positions with extensive experience, certifications, and seniority. Most locomotive engineers earn a median salary well below that figure, with top earners reaching around $100,000 to $150,000 per year.

Who gets paid more, train engineer or conductor?

In general, train engineers, also known as locomotive engineers, tend to earn higher salaries than conductors due to their technical skills and responsibility for operating trains. Conductors typically earn less but may have more customer service and safety-related duties. Salary differences can vary based on experience, location, and employer.

How much does a Locomotive Engineer make?

A Locomotive Engineer typically earns a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, with experienced engineers and those working for major railroads earning higher wages. Salaries can vary based on location, experience, and union agreements, and the job requires certification and safety training.

Is a Locomotive Engineer the same as a conductor?

A locomotive engineer is responsible for operating and controlling the train, including managing speed and safety systems, while a conductor oversees train operations, passenger or freight services, and coordinates with crew and dispatch. Both roles are essential but have distinct duties; the engineer focuses on driving, and the conductor handles operational management and customer service. Some railroads require certification and training for each position, and employees often work together as part of a train crew.

What are the main challenges a Locomotive Engineer Conductor faces when managing both train operations and crew coordination?

Locomotive Engineer Conductors often juggle the dual responsibilities of safely operating the locomotive and ensuring smooth communication with the crew. Common challenges include adapting to changing schedules, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and responding to unexpected track or weather conditions. Effective time management and clear, concise communication are essential, as the conductor must coordinate with dispatchers, yardmasters, and other crew members to keep train movements efficient and safe. Building experience in these areas can lead to greater autonomy and opportunities for advancement within the railroad industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Locomotive Engineer Conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer Conductor, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of railway operations, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a formal training program. Familiarity with train control systems, braking technology, and regulatory compliance platforms is essential, and certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safety and smooth coordination with crew members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining operational safety, preventing accidents, and efficiently transporting freight or passengers.
More about Locomotive Engineer Conductor jobs
Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer Conductor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,402 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Locomotive Engineer/Conductor

American Dedicated Rail Services Ll

West Monroe, LA • On-site

$20 - $23/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Who We Are

American Dedicated Rail Services is a Jacksonville, Florida based railroad services company founded in 2020 to provide the industry with a customer-centric approach to railroading. We are a relationship-driven company that believes strong partnerships build a great business.

We are committed to safely and efficiently serving the railroad industry and our customers. Our proactive customer-centric approach achieves the results that our customers expect, along with the satisfaction of knowing they have a partner in the railroad industry.

We are seeking a Railroad Locomotive Engineer/Conductor. Minimum 2 yrs Experience Required. This is a non-FRA site and prospective candidate does not have to be FRA certified, but must be experienced in either engineer or conductor duties.

Job Summary

As a Locomotive Engineer, you will be responsible for operating the freight train safely and efficiently. This role requires a deep understanding of locomotive systems, adherence to safety protocols, and excellent communication skills. As a Conductor, an employee will ensure the safe and timely positioning of the locomotive via concise coordination with their Engineer and aid in any activities involved in doing so. The role involves coordinating train crew activities, managing the loading and unloading of cargo, and maintaining compliance with safety regulations.

Job Responsibilities

· Conduct thorough pre and post trip inspections of the locomotive to ensure operational readiness

· Operate the locomotive using manual and computer controls in accordance with company procedures

· Monitor on-board instruments and gauges, including train speed, battery use, air pressure, amperage, etc

· Maintain clear communication with Conductors and Clerks, responding to instructions and following up with reports

· Identify obstructions on tracks and provide warning signals at crossings

· Address breakdowns and perform basic maintenance as required

· Ensure all logbooks and manuals are properly maintained and stowed in cabin

· Complete accurate reports as required

· Effectively and safely place cars to facilitate loading and unloading

· Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules

· Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures

· Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone

· Couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs as needed

· Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars

· Operate locomotive equipment thought the use of remote control devices

· Maintain consistent awareness of surroundings

- Safely and effectively operate a forklift.

· Inspect and repair rail cars, ensuring compliance with all railroad rules and regulations outlined with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

- Any other duties as assigned

Qualifications

· Proven experience as a Locomotive Engineer/Conductor

· Advanced knowledge of mechanical and electrical locomotive systems

· Strong diagnostic and problem solving skills

· Strong commitment to safety

· Excellent communication skills

Physical Requirements

· Ability to concentrate for long periods

· Capable of lifting moderate weights occasionally

· Good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity

· Able to sit for extended periods

· Comfortable working in various weather conditions

· Able to climb ladders and step on uneven surfaces

· Basic mechanical skills for minor troubleshooting and repairs

· In-depth area knowledge including road crossings, track curves, and tunnels

· Ability to lift a maximum of 50 lbs

· Stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb.

· Work in cramped, confined, or awkward places.

· Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods.

· Walk long distances over uneven terrain.

· Work safely to prevent on-the-job accidents and injuries.

· Wear protective equipment including hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses.

Safety Notice

Safety is of the utmost importance within our company. All work performed at our operations is taken with maximum consideration for safety and any work performed that is considered to not adhere to our high safety standards can be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination. Preemployment tests and procedures gauge one’s ability to adhere to our safety requirements and may be required as part of our hiring and/or qualifications screening.

Drug Testing Notice

ADRS is a drug-free workplace and will take the appropriate actions necessary to ensure as such. Employees are subject to a preemployment 10 panel rapid non-dot drug test and are also subject to any future drug tests up to the companies’ discretion.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Company Description

People oriented company that places their employees first. Great growth opportunity for those individuals that can work with a team of committed railroaders that want to bring service back to the industry.