ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Locomotive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Freeport McMoRan

Locomotive Operator II

Claypool, AZ · On-site

$27 - $36/hr

As the Locomotive Operator II, you perform track inspections, general track work, flagging trains, opening and closing boxcars, and re‑railing cars after train derailments, and may perform minor ...

Savage

Locomotive Operator

Owensville, IN · On-site

Locomotive Operator is responsible for the daily railcar movement and unloading of material within the facility safely and timely * Communicate with other train crew members, the railroad employees ...

Vets Hired

Locomotive Engineer

Newark, NJ · On-site

Job Summary The Locomotive Engineer Training Program prepares candidates to become qualified Locomotive Engineers through a comprehensive training program that includes classroom instruction, on-the ...

Marmon

Locomotive Mechanic- Regional Traveling

Decatur, IL · On-site

$26 - $30/hr

Railserve is hiring an experienced and safety-focused Locomotive Mechanic based out of Decatur, IL to support locomotive maintenance operations throughout the region. This is a full-time, hands-on ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsLocomotive Jobs

Locomotive information

See salary details

$5

$29

$44

How much do locomotive jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive in the United States is $29.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $38.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a locomotive?

A locomotive job typically involves operating, maintaining, or managing trains and railway equipment. Locomotive engineers drive trains, ensuring safe and efficient transportation of passengers or freight. Conductors coordinate train operations, while maintenance workers inspect and repair locomotives. These roles require knowledge of railway regulations, safety procedures, and mechanical systems. Training and certification are often necessary to work in this field.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a locomotive?

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer, you need a solid understanding of train operations, mechanical systems, and safety protocols, usually supported by a high school diploma and specialized railroad training or certification. Familiarity with locomotive control systems, signal equipment, and the use of onboard diagnostic tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, quick decision-making, and effective communication help engineers perform safely and efficiently. These competencies ensure safe train operation, compliance with regulations, and the ability to handle unexpected situations on the rails.

What are the typical work hours and conditions for a locomotive engineer?

Locomotive Engineers often work in shifts that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, as train schedules operate around the clock. The role may require long hours, overnight routes, and time spent away from home, depending on the type of service and employer. Engineers operate trains in varying weather conditions, manage periods of both activity and downtime, and must remain alert and attentive at all times. Team collaboration with conductors and dispatchers is essential to ensure safe and efficient rail operations. Overall, flexibility and adaptability are important traits for those considering a career in this field.

More about Locomotive jobs

What cities are hiring for Locomotive jobs?

Cities with the most Locomotive job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Locomotive jobs?

The most popular types of Locomotive jobs are:

What states have the most Locomotive jobs?

States with the most job openings for Locomotive jobs include:

What are popular job titles for Locomotive?

Popular job titles for Locomotive:

Locomotive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Locomotive job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,577 per year, or $29.6 per hour.

Locomotive Switchman/Conductor

Muscatine, IA • On-site

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.
501 - 1,000 employees
Learn more about Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.external

Full-time

Medical, Dental

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

At Cando, safety is more than a priority, it is the foundation of everything we do. We are seeking motivated, safety-focused professionals to join our team as a Switchman/Conductor supporting rail operations at a major chemical manufacturing facility.
This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic industrial environment where safety, teamwork, and precision are critical. If you enjoy working outdoors, staying active, solving problems, and contributing to essential supply chain operations, we encourage you to explore a career with Cando.
Cando is a North American leader in specialized rail operating services, providing industrial switching, short line operations, material handling, terminal and transload services, and customized rail solutions for customers across a variety of industries. As we continue expanding throughout the United States, we invite you to grow your career with us.
Why Join Cando?
  • Consistent work-life balance
  • Comprehensive technical and leadership development programs
  • Award-winning safety culture
  • Health and dental benefits, including voluntary coverage options.
  • A team-oriented environment focused on employee success and safety.

Position Summary
As a Switchman/Conductor, you will play a critical role in supporting safe and efficient railcar movements within a chemical plant operation. Collaborating closely with locomotive operators and plant personnel, you will ensure railcars containing raw materials and finished chemical products are moved safely, accurately, and in compliance with all operating regulations and site-specific safety requirements.
Success in this position requires strong situational awareness, a commitment to safety, exceptional teamwork, and the ability to perform physically demanding work in an industrial environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Safely coordinate and execute railcar switching operations within a chemical manufacturing facility.
  • Conduct thorough job briefings and communicate clearly with crew members to ensure safe train and locomotive movements.
  • Apply operating rules, special instructions, and switching procedures while serving as either a locomotive operator or ground crew member.
  • Operate switches and derails, couple and uncouple railcars, connect and disconnect air hoses, and apply or release hand brakes.
  • Handle railcar movements associated with the transportation of chemical products and materials while adhering to strict safety protocols.
  • Protect personnel, equipment, and infrastructure during all switching activities.
  • Conduct air brake tests and perform routine inspections of locomotives, railcars, tracks, and operating equipment.
  • Maintain compliance with all federal regulations, customer requirements, site-specific chemical plant procedures, and Cando operating standards.
  • Complete daily inspections, operational reports, logs, and required documentation accurately and on time.
  • Ensure locomotives and work areas remain safe, organized, and operationally ready.
  • Deliver exceptional customer service and maintain professional working relationships with plant personnel and stakeholders.
  • Participate in ongoing training, safety initiatives, and operational improvement programs.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Strong commitment to workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Excellent communication, teamwork, and customer service skills.
  • Ability to read and interpret switching lists, operating procedures, safety documents, and work instructions.
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a fast-paced industrial environment.
  • Comfortable using technology and computer applications, including Microsoft Outlook and Excel.
  • Ability to obtain required rail operating certifications and successfully complete drug, alcohol, and medical assessments.

Physical Requirements
This is a physically demanding role requiring the ability to:
  • Frequently climb on and off locomotives and railcars.
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions year-round.
  • Lift, carry, and manipulate air hoses and rail equipment.
  • Operate hand brakes, switches, and derails.
  • Walk long distances on uneven surfaces and maintain awareness in an active industrial setting.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous experience as a Switchman, Conductor, Yard Operator, or Locomotive Operator.
  • Prior railroad, industrial switching, or rail transportation experience.
  • Experience working in a chemical plant, refinery, petrochemical facility, manufacturing plant, or other process-based industrial environment.
  • Familiarity with hazardous materials handling procedures and strict industrial safety standards.
  • Valid driver's license with a safe driving record.

Why This Role Matters
Rail operations are a critical component of the chemical industry's supply chain. As a Cando Switchman, you will help ensure the safe and efficient movement of materials that support manufacturing operations while working within a highly regulated environment where safety, reliability, and professionalism are essential to success.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply