Overview
Railway locomotive engineers operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight. They are employed by railway transport companies. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives within yards of railway, industrial or other establishments. They are employed by railway transport companies and industrial or commercial users of rail transport.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Railway locomotive engineers
Operate locomotives to transport passengers and freight on railways
Operate communication systems to communicate with train crews and traffic controllers to ensure safe operation and scheduling of trains
Inspect assigned locomotives and test operating controls and equipment.
Yard locomotive engineers
Operate locomotives to switch, couple and uncouple cars for loading and unloading
Perform switching operations according to written switching orders or dispatched instructions
Inspect locomotives, replenish fuel or perform routine maintenance on locomotives.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$74,831
$101,548
$123,384
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
British Columbia
308expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
Completion of secondary school is usually required.
Experience as a conductor is required for railway locomotive engineers and may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
Additional information
Mobility between railway transport companies or between establishments employing locomotive engineers may be limited due to seniority provisions of collective agreements.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Railway and yard locomotive engineers in B.C.
- Canadian Rail Operating Rules Certificate - Railway and yard locomotive engineers
Canadian Rail Operating Rules Certificate - Railway and yard locomotive engineers
To work as Railway and yard locomotive engineers in B.C., you need the appropriate Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate. Click the link below for more information.
Work Experience
Work experience recommended
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
No post-secondary education required
No post-secondary education required. You can work in this career without post-secondary education. Some on the job training may be provided. With additional training or experience, you may be able to progress into higher level, supervisory or management positions.