1

Locomotive Engineer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

... locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower • Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars • Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using ...

... locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower • Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars • Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using ...

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

... locomotives. For more than 40 years, Cat Financial has provided a wide range of financing solutions ... Performs all programming, development, integration, and system administration assignments.

New

Whether driving locomotives, powering offshore platforms or keeping the lights on after a storm ... Ability to work from engineering sketches and/or examples to fabricate tooling and fixturing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Locomotive Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$15

$24

$37

How much do locomotive engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer in Tennessee is $24.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locomotive engineer?

Locomotive engineers are skilled professionals responsible for operating trains that transport passengers or freight. They control the speed, handling, and braking of locomotives, ensuring safe and timely travel along rail routes. Locomotive engineers must be attentive to signals, track conditions, and communication from dispatchers to prevent accidents. They also inspect their trains before departures and keep detailed records of their journeys. This role requires specialized training and certification to ensure both safety and efficiency.

What does a locomotive engineer do?

Locomotive engineers, also known as train conductors, operate trains on railroads. In this role, you oversee operations for trains that transport freight or passengers. Some locomotive engineers work in a station or rail yard where they supervise the coupling of train cars. Before each trip, a train conductor inspects the train and plans the timing of their journey. Your responsibilities include communicating with control centers along the route to ensure the safety of the train and to monitor updates about track conditions. Locomotive engineers also document any problems that arise concerning the state of the train or tracks.

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

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of train operations, mechanical systems, and safety regulations, typically requiring a high school diploma and completion of a railroad training program with federal certification. Familiarity with locomotive control systems, diagnostic tools, and railroad signaling technology is essential for daily operations. Attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, efficient train movement and help prevent accidents or operational delays.

What are some typical challenges faced by locomotive engineers during their shifts?

Locomotive Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting to varying weather conditions, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and managing unexpected delays or mechanical issues. They must remain highly alert during long shifts, especially when operating at night or through complex track systems. Effective communication with conductors, dispatchers, and maintenance crews is essential to ensure smooth and safe train operations.

What is the difference between Locomotive Engineer vs Train Conductor?

AspectLocomotive EngineerTrain Conductor
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, technical training, certificationsCustomer service skills, safety training, certifications
Work EnvironmentOperate and control trains, focus on machineryCoordinate passenger or freight services, oversee safety
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger servicesRailroads, passenger transit companies

Locomotive Engineers primarily operate trains and focus on controlling the locomotive, requiring technical training and certifications. Train Conductors oversee train operations, passenger safety, and customer service. Both roles are essential in rail transportation but differ in responsibilities and daily tasks.

Are locomotive engineers in demand?

Locomotive engineers are in steady demand due to ongoing needs for freight and passenger transportation. Employment opportunities depend on the transportation industry’s growth, infrastructure investments, and the requirement for certifications and safety training. Job prospects are generally stable, especially in regions with active rail networks.

Do locomotive engineers make good money?

Locomotive engineers typically earn a competitive salary, with median wages around $70,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often work irregular hours and require certification and safety training, which can influence earning potential.

How do you get to be a locomotive engineer?

To become a locomotive engineer, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a training program provided by a railroad company or a technical school. They must pass written and skills tests, obtain certification from the Federal Railroad Administration, and often gain experience through on-the-job training or apprenticeships.

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 jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Locomotive Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Locomotive Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Locomotive Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,284 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Freight Conductor - Nashville, TN

CSX Corporation

Nashville, TN • On-site

$2.9K/wk

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


CSX rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 366 rated logistics


Job description


Please read entire posting before applying to this position.
A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makeup/breakdown trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, please click to see a video here.
New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amount to expect is $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the applicable direct hire agreement.
Note: You must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check to be hired into this role.
Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Depending in the business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.
Responsibilities
Primary Activities and Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders
  • Be able to safely perform all job responsibilities
  • Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
  • Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
  • Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
  • Assist with the coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
  • Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; delivers excellent customer service by identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Operate locomotive equipment using remote control device
  • Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
  • Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss with locomotive engineer
  • Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

CSRA
  • Projected first year earnings: $97,185

  • Training rate while in Atlanta: $2,457.56 bi-weekly

  • On-the-job (OJT) training Rate: $2,949.06 bi-weekly

  • After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 bi-weekly

  • The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities.

CSRA Bonus:
  • 1st year - $3,000 deferred to 401K

  • 2nd year - $2,000 deferred to 401K

Training
You are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes a combination of classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. Failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program, and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks. New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training. The REDI Cafe operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days. Roundtrip mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel. On-the-job training begins immediately following the successful completion of training at the ATC.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older
  • One year of related experience
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Ability to read and comprehend all instructions including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents and other written communications
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • One or more years of outside work experience, e.g. construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc. (can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
  • Experience working in a safety sensitive environment
  • Valid Driver's Licence

Job Requirements
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Must wear CSX approved protective equipment such as high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
  • Work hours are based on seniority, new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report
  • May be required to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
  • Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
  • Must pass all required assessments
  • Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time limit
  • Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
  • This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required
  • Cover outlying locations based on seniority
  • Information about benefits can be found here

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
  • Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
  • Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
  • Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time
  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods of time during shifts
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
  • Must meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA Regulations
  • Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds

Basic Competencies
  • Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

About Us
CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists.
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Connect with us on Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
Closing Statement
At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.
CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.
CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

What CSX employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom