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How to hire a locomotive mechanic

Locomotive mechanic hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring locomotive mechanics in the United States:

  • In the United States, the median cost per hire a locomotive mechanic is $1,633.
  • It takes between 36 and 42 days to fill the average role in the US.
  • Human Resources use 15% of their expenses on recruitment on average.
  • On average, it takes around 12 weeks for a new locomotive mechanic to become settled and show total productivity levels at work.

How to hire a locomotive mechanic, step by step

To hire a locomotive mechanic, you need to identify the specific skills and experience you want in a candidate, allocate a budget for the position, and advertise the job opening to attract potential candidates. To hire a locomotive mechanic, you should follow these steps:

Here's a step-by-step locomotive mechanic hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a locomotive mechanic job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new locomotive mechanic
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your locomotive mechanic job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a locomotive mechanic for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A locomotive mechanic's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, locomotive mechanics from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of locomotive mechanics.

    Type of Locomotive MechanicDescriptionHourly rate
    Locomotive MechanicDiesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses and trucks, or maintain and repair any type of diesel engine.$14-26
    Truck TechnicianTruck technicians are skilled employees who are responsible for working and inspecting the mechanical parts of trucks such as the engine, wheels, accelerator, and brakes. These technicians must use specialized instruments and tools to diagnose problems and repair parts... Show more$15-28
    Mechanic HelperThe job of a mechanic helper is to support lead mechanics and perform a variety of duties and responsibilities. You will be assisting in the maintenance of cars, such as changing tires and oils, replacing brakes, and diagnosing vehicle issues... Show more$11-19
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Locomotives
    • Hand Tools
    • FRA
    • DOT
    • Torches
    • Traction
    • Diesel Engines
    • Cranes
    • Air Compressors
    • MIG
    • EMD
    • Engine Components
    • Routine Maintenance
    • R
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Provide routine maintenance, troubleshooting and repair to EMD and G.E.
    • Repair running gears: wheels, springs, hangers, and brake rigging traction motors.
    • weld with arc and mig welding.
    • Preform overhauls on EMD 12V645E diesel electric engines.
    • Work closely with contractors, FRA, OSHA and safety officers
    • Operate cutting torches or welding equipment to cut or join metal parts
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your locomotive mechanic job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A locomotive mechanic can vary based on:

    • Location. For example, locomotive mechanics' average salary in south carolina is 37% less than in alaska.
    • Seniority. Entry-level locomotive mechanics 44% less than senior-level locomotive mechanics.
    • Certifications. A locomotive mechanic with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a locomotive mechanic's salary.

    Average locomotive mechanic salary

    $41,991yearly

    $20.19 hourly rate

    Entry-level locomotive mechanic salary
    $31,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025
  4. Writing a locomotive mechanic job description

    A locomotive mechanic job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a locomotive mechanic job description:

    Locomotive mechanic job description example

    • Operate locomotives and other heavy equipment as needed, using both feet and hands to manipulate applicable foot and hand controls simultaneously.
    • Inspect, maintain, lubricate, repair, breakdown, and clean locomotives using precise measurements, checklists and procedures, providing concise written reports and ensuring locomotives operate within all required FRA / AAR specifications.
    • Inspect and maintain locomotives in accordance with part 229 (Locomotive Safety Standards) of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
    • Must have the ability to perform periodic locomotive inspections and meet all the requirements of the CFR part 229.21 daily inspection, 229.25 92 Day insp. 229.27 Annual insp. And 229.29 C (2) 1104 Day insp.
    • Measures, cuts, threads, bends, assembles and installs conduits that connect to control panels and junction boxes, using hacksaw, pipe benders, pipe-threading tools, and other hand tools. Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair 26-L air brake systems on single unit or multiple unit locomotive consists.
    • Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair all locomotive mechanical components including prime mover, air compressor, draft systems, cooling systems, fuel system, sanding system, main generator, auxiliary generator, traction motors, trucks, wheels and capable of aligning all rotating equipment.
    • Demonstrates the ability to read and understand a locomotive electrical schematic. Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair locomotive DC 600 volt system including AR-10 AC main generator and rectifier, dynamic brake grid, D-22 DC main generator, auxiliary generator.
    • Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair D-14 3 phase generator, static excitation control, traction control and cooling fans.
    • Demonstrates the ability to troubleshoot and repair 74 volt DC Control systems including excitation, wheel slip, cooling fan, A/C, rate, throttle, contactor, and safety warning alarm controls.
    • Demonstrate the ability to read, interpret, and work from blueprints and other working drawings. Abide by all Company policies outlined in the Employee Handbook.
    • Successfully participate in and complete all training sessions, safety classes, pre-shift meetings, or certifications related to the position.
    • Ability and motivation to perform job functions safely, correctly and efficiently. Including but not limited to heavy lifting, climbing, squatting and working from heights and standing for extended periods.
    • Must listen, learn, plan, use sound judgment, and follow accepted industry standards to accomplish all tasks with minimal supervision.
    • Must actively and effectively assist team members as required.
    • Must have commitment and dedication to reducing equipment downtime and failures.
    • Must have clear communication skills.
    • Must have strong analytical skills in determining why a component or structure failed and be able to accurately repair/correct the underlying cause to prevent repeat failures.
    • Must be able to repair, maintain and assemble complete structures or components of locomotives, utilizing schematics, layouts and/or blueprints following industry-accepted standards.
    • Solid working ability utilizing desktop/laptop/thin client computers in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, etc. and other computer programs.
    • Maintain detailed records of maintenance activities including the use of a computerized maintenance management system.
    • Perform mathematical calculations pertaining to the job.
    • Minimal two years of experience in a locomotive or other applicable railroad mechanic role. Previous electrician experience.
    • Must be 18 years of age or older.
    • Successfully complete a job sample prior to hire including a basic electrician skill test.
    • Must be able to read, write and speak the English language in order to comprehend instructions on the job, over the radio, and in the classroom, and to ensure personal and co-worker safety on the work site
    • New hires must pass a pre-employment screening and successfully complete any required training or orientation course.
    • Must have own basic hand tools, including a complete set of screw drivers, wrench set, socket set, set of pliers, hammer, etc.
    • Ability to work with others and or alone with minimum supervision.
    • Ability to read, speak and write English.
    • Ability to follow instructions and communicate information pertaining to the job.
    • Ability to follow proper safety and housekeeping procedures pertaining to the work environment.
    • Must successfully complete any required orientation, training, and continuing education courses.
    • This position will be required to work nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime as required.
    • No active disciplinary action and a good work history.
    • Must be capable of obtaining a forklift certification within 30 days of job award. Must have a valid Florida driver’s license Class E or above.
    • Must have successfully completed the TOST/Ramsay Test.

    Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

    The work environment characteristics and physical requirements described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

    Working Conditions:

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee works and drives in outside weather conditions on a regular basis.
    Working conditions may be rainy, hot, humid, dusty, foggy etc. Depending on the weather and may be at nighttime.

    The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.
    Duties of this job at times are performed in an office and shop environment.
    Exposed to heights of up to 40 feet and rapidly changing temperatures, including extreme heat and other weather conditions.

    Physical Requirements:

    While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit.
    The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, use hands to handle and/or move various objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, talk, hear, and see. Specific vision abilities required by this job include distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Visibility must extend to 62’ and beyond.
    Ability to move or handle various items generally weighing between 0-75 pounds. Employee must be able to lift and carry up to 75 pounds.
    Prolonged kneeling, standing, and looking up. Employee is required to regularly climb stairs, ladders and will perform overhead work while standing, kneeling, or lying flat, and will constantly crawl, bend at the waist and reach overhead, occasionally lift, pull or carry up to 75 lbs., and walk on uneven ground containing trip hazards.

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  5. Post your job

    To find locomotive mechanics for your business, try out a few different recruiting strategies:

    • Consider internal talent. One of the most important talent pools for any company is its current employees.
    • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and your current work to ask if they know any locomotive mechanics they would recommend.
    • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit entry-level locomotive mechanics with the right educational background.
    • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter have more than 3.5 billion users, and they're a great place for company branding and reaching potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your locomotive mechanic job on Zippia to find and recruit locomotive mechanic candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit locomotive mechanics, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new locomotive mechanic

    Once you've decided on a perfect locomotive mechanic candidate, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, it should include benefits and perks available to the employee. Qualified candidates may be considered for other positions, so make sure your offer is competitive. Candidates may wish to negotiate. Once you've settled on the details, formalize your agreement with a contract.

    You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new locomotive mechanic. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a locomotive mechanic?

Before you start to hire locomotive mechanics, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire locomotive mechanics pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

You can expect to pay around $41,991 per year for a locomotive mechanic, as this is the median yearly salary nationally. This can vary depending on what state or city you're hiring in. If you're hiring for contract work or on a per-project basis, hourly rates for locomotive mechanics in the US typically range between $14 and $26 an hour.

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