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Locomotive Engineer Trainee Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Locomotive Engineer Trainee information

See Tennessee salary details

$27.7K

$62.3K

$104.8K

How much do locomotive engineer trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for locomotive engineer trainee in Tennessee is $62,278.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,200.00 and $67,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locomotive engineer trainee?

A Locomotive Engineer Trainee is an entry-level position where individuals receive hands-on training to operate trains safely and efficiently. Trainees learn to inspect locomotives, follow railroad regulations, and control train speed and braking under various conditions. The role involves classroom instruction, simulator training, and on-the-job experience under the supervision of experienced engineers. Upon successful completion of the training program and required certifications, trainees become qualified locomotive engineers responsible for transporting cargo or passengers. This job requires strong attention to detail, adherence to safety protocols, and the ability to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

What can I expect during the training period as a locomotive engineer trainee?

As a Locomotive Engineer Trainee, you'll undergo a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on, on-the-job training under the supervision of experienced engineers. You'll learn about locomotive mechanics, safety regulations, signaling systems, and proper operating procedures, gradually taking on more responsibility as you build competence. The training period is typically structured and may include assessments, simulator exercises, and practical train runs. Expect to work variable hours, including nights and weekends, as the work environment often requires flexibility. Successful completion of the program will prepare you for certification and advancement to a full Locomotive Engineer position.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a locomotive engineer trainee?

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of safety protocols. Familiarity with train control systems, locomotive operation manuals, and the ability to attain relevant railroad certifications (such as FRA certification) are often required. Dependability, strong communication, problem-solving ability, and composure under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These qualifications are essential to ensure safe, efficient train operation and effective response to any unexpected situations on the tracks.

Are locomotive engineer trainees in demand?

Locomotive engineer trainees are in steady demand as rail transportation remains essential for freight and passenger services. The industry values candidates with technical skills, safety knowledge, and proper certification, leading to consistent hiring opportunities in the transportation sector.

How much does a locomotive engineer trainee make?

A locomotive engineer trainee typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on the employer and location. Trainees often receive on-the-job training and must obtain certification before advancing to full engineer status, which can increase earning potential.

How to become a locomotive engineer trainee with no experience?

To become a locomotive engineer trainee, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and must pass a background check and drug screening. Training programs often include classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger and air brake endorsement is usually required before starting as a trainee.

What are the most commonly searched types of Locomotive Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Locomotive Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Locomotive Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee?

For Locomotive Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Locomotive Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Locomotive Engineer Trainee jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Locomotive Engineer Trainee jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Locomotive Engineer Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer Trainee job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,278 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

PASSENGER ENGINEER TRAINEE - 90370413 - Memphis

Amtrak

Memphis, TN • On-site

$35.62/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Amtrak rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 98 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 $35.62 - $35.62 (with opportunity for increases, as per the applicable collective bargaining agreement, after beginning employment). 

Health and Wellbeing Financial and Retirement Work and Family Life Support Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance 401K  Rail Pass Privileges Wellness Programs Railroad Retirement Benefits Employee Assistance Program Medical Plan Opt-out Credit Life Insurance Commuter and Flexible Spending Accounts No-cost Personal Health Advocate No-cost Financial Advisor Session Fertility and Family Building Benefits

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

Requisition ID:166816
Posting Location(s):Tennessee

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