Rail Yard Engineer

Explore This Path

Ideal for those passionate about trains and hands-on work in dynamic environments.
Ensure smooth and safe rail operations, impacting industries and communities.
Unique role involving signal interpretation and locomotive maneuvering.

💰 Earn $63K-$63K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 0.5% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

Drive switching or other locomotive or dinkey engines within railroad yard, industrial plant, quarry, construction project, or similar location.

Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.
Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.
Apply and release hand brakes.
Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.
Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Steady (Staying constant (within 1%))

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

200 Annually

Median Earnings

$62,790 in California

$57,070 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

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$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Thinking and problem solving
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Coordination
Equipment Maintenance
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Time Management
Troubleshooting

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Rail Yard Engineer

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years