4. Locomotive Engineer – $84,627 USD
Locomotive engineers operate diesel-electric and battery-powered trains, transporting passengers and freight efficiently and safely. Their duties include controlling speed, monitoring air pressure, inspecting equipment, logging operations, and coordinating with other railroad staff. Certification through the Federal Railroad Administration is required, alongside passing performance, knowledge, hearing, and vision tests. Many engineers start in lower-level roles, such as brakemen, before earning their full license. This profession demands mechanical understanding, precision, and focus under pressure, with compensation reflecting the responsibility for safely transporting valuable cargo and passengers over long distances, making it a financially and personally rewarding skilled trade.