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Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook ... current Locomotive Engineer's license with a minimum of one (1) year of full-time main line ...

Locomotive Engineer

Coshocton, OH · On-site

$72 - $75/hr

Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications, and railroad rules and regulations ... A ssociate degree and valid engineer certification This position is employed by the specific entity ...

... railroad rules and regulations to transport freight or passenger trains in a safe manner ... RESPONSIBILITIES: • Inspect locomotive for operational readiness by making FRA- and company ...

$28.81/hr

Ability to do the work of a(n) Locomotive Engineer (Railroad Repr Inspector) ~ without more than normal supervision. Operating at least one type of locomotive to pull railcars and cargo. Performing ...

... railroad rules and regulations to transport freight or passenger trains in a safe manner ... RESPONSIBILITIES: • Inspect locomotive for operational readiness by making FRA- and company ...

$28.81/hr

Ability to do the work of a(n) Locomotive Engineer (Railroad Repr Inspector) ~ without more than normal supervision. Operating at least one type of locomotive to pull railcars and cargo. Performing ...

... railroad personnel, and members of the regional and/or executive management team Key strengths of the successful locomotive operator * Experienced locomotive engineer---have been previously FRA ...

New

Must maintain a valid Engineer Certification under 49 CFR Part 240. * Three years of safe, increasingly responsible railroad experience as a certified locomotive engineer; passenger rail operations ...

Must maintain a valid Engineer Certification under 49 CFR Part 240. * Three years of safe, increasingly responsible railroad experience as a certified locomotive engineer; passenger rail operations ...

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Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract information

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$26

$41

How much do railroad locomotive engineer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad locomotive engineer contract 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 are railroad locomotive engineer contracts?

Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contracts are formal agreements that outline the terms, conditions, and responsibilities for locomotive engineers working for railway companies. These contracts typically cover aspects such as wages, work hours, safety protocols, job duties, benefits, and grievance procedures. They are often negotiated between labor unions representing engineers and the railroad companies to ensure fair treatment and compliance with federal regulations. Such contracts help maintain safety standards and protect both the employers' and employees' rights in the railway industry.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad locomotive engineers working on a contract basis?

Contract Railroad Locomotive Engineers often face challenges such as adapting quickly to new routes or equipment, since assignments may vary by project. They also need to maintain up-to-date certifications and stay informed about differing safety protocols across rail companies. Additionally, contract engineers may work irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and must be prepared for variable workloads based on client needs. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, as they frequently coordinate with dispatchers, conductors, and maintenance crews to ensure safe and efficient train operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a railroad locomotive engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Railroad Locomotive Engineer, you need a high school diploma or GED, completion of a railroad training program, and certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Familiarity with locomotive control systems, signaling equipment, and safety protocols is essential, along with ongoing certification renewals. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help engineers manage train operations and coordinate with crew members. These competencies are crucial to ensure operational safety, schedule adherence, and the smooth, reliable transportation of goods or passengers.

Are railroad locomotive engineers in demand?

Railroad locomotive engineers are generally in steady demand due to the ongoing need for freight transportation by rail. Employment opportunities depend on the health of the rail industry, with positions often requiring certification and experience operating locomotives in various environments.
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What states have the most Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract jobs are:

Infographic showing various Railroad Locomotive Engineer Contract job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,402 per year, or $26.6 per hour.

Locomotive Engineer

Metra

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Description
Candidates can expect salary offers that range from the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges, so candidate can consider their growth potential.
Click here to learn more about our benefits!
Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.
Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.
Transportation is responsible for providing safe, efficient, and dependable transportation to commuters on all Metra-operated lines: Milwaukee North and West, Rock Island, Metra Electric, Southwest Service, North Central Service, Union Pacific, Heritage Corridor, and the line operating under a purchase-of-service agreement: BNSF. In addition to all employees directly involved in providing train service, the Transportation Department also oversees the Dispatching Office and the Crew Management Center.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
1) Conductors and/or Assistant Conductors - Conductors must be certified; Assistant Conductors who are eligible for promotion and who have at least 365 days of actual work in Metra's train service excluding the time they participated in training.
2) Engineers from other railroads - External Engineers must currently be certified and have a current Locomotive Engineer's license with a minimum of one (1) year of full-time main line experience. Applicants must have an excellent work record, decertification free for the last three (3) years. Passenger locomotive experience preferred.
3) Rules qualified non-train service employees - Non-train service employees must have at least two (2) years of service with Metra of which one (1) must be working currently in a full-time rules qualified position (for example; Train Dispatcher, Control Operator, Track Inspector, certified Hostler).
4) All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.