How to become a railway and yard locomotive engineer
Official title: Railway and yard locomotive engineers
Also called: Train engineer, Railway hostler, Railway engineer, Locomotive hostler, Freight train engineer, Yard engineer - railway, Passenger train engineer, Railway engineer trainee, Switch engineer - railway, Transfer hostler - railway, Railway locomotive engineer, Locomotive engineer - railway
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.
Main tasks
- 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
How to become one
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. Railway locomotive engineers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $97,500 a year The middle half earn $78,000 to $117,000.
- About 6,200 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 6,800 are projected by 2033. (+9.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a railway and yard locomotive engineer?
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. Railway locomotive engineers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
How much does a railway and yard locomotive engineer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $97,500 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $78,000 to $117,000.
Is a railway and yard locomotive engineer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 6,200 to about 6,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a railway and yard locomotive engineer?
Usually not. Only 11% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03