Locomotive mechanic vs mechanic driver

The differences between locomotive mechanics and mechanic drivers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a locomotive mechanic and a mechanic driver. Additionally, a mechanic driver has an average salary of $47,243, which is higher than the $41,991 average annual salary of a locomotive mechanic.

The top three skills for a locomotive mechanic include locomotives, hand tools and FRA. The most important skills for a mechanic driver are tractor trailer, CDL, and dump truck.

Locomotive mechanic vs mechanic driver overview

	Locomotive Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Yearly salary	$41,991	$47,243
Hourly rate	$20.19	$22.71
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	34,178	116,538
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 45%
Average age	42	42
Years of experience	2	2

Locomotive mechanic vs mechanic driver salary

Locomotive mechanics and mechanic drivers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Locomotive Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average salary	$41,991	$47,243
Salary range	Between $31,000 And $55,000	Between $34,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between locomotive mechanic and mechanic driver education

There are a few differences between a locomotive mechanic and a mechanic driver in terms of educational background:

	Locomotive Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 33%	High School Diploma, 45%
Most common major	Automotive Technology	Automotive Technology
Most common college	-	-

Locomotive mechanic vs mechanic driver demographics

Here are the differences between locomotive mechanics' and mechanic drivers' demographics:

	Locomotive Mechanic	Mechanic Driver
Average age	42	42
Gender ratio	Male, 96.2% Female, 3.8%	Male, 96.9% Female, 3.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.2% Asian, 2.5% White, 67.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.5% White, 66.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between locomotive mechanic and mechanic driver duties and responsibilities

Locomotive mechanic example 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

Mechanic driver example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
DOT inspections, replacing brakes, tires, king pins shackle pins.
Repair and replace damage or worn parts and troubleshoot problems.
Metal fabrication and MIG welding to restore serviceability of equipment.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.
Document repairs, modifications and inspections in accordance with FAA requirements on both paper and in an automate maintenance information database.

Locomotive mechanic vs mechanic driver skills

Common locomotive mechanic skills

Locomotives, 28%
Hand Tools, 14%
FRA, 13%
DOT, 13%
Torches, 8%
Traction, 8%

Common mechanic driver skills

Tractor Trailer, 18%
CDL, 8%
Dump Truck, 8%
Preventative Maintenance, 8%
DOT, 7%
Safety Equipment, 7%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Locomotive Mechanic
Locomotive Mechanic vs Mechanic Driver

Updated January 8, 2025

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