A Guide to Becoming a Train Mechanic

Trains are key for taking people and cargo where they need to go.    

The world relies on locomotive mechanics to maintain diesel engines in trains, as well as other equipment vital to their operation so people and products get where they need to go.    

If you like to get your hands dirty and are interested in the transportation industry, consider a career as a diesel train mechanic! After all, it’s a role that employers in the industry are looking to fill across the nation.

Sound like a career you’d be interested in? Keep reading to find out how you can prepare for this career!

Key Summary Points

• Diesel locomotives play a crucial role in transporting people and cargo, relying on skilled locomotive mechanics for maintenance and repair to ensure smooth operation.
• The position of diesel locomotive technician is in demand by employers across the nation, offering opportunities for those interested in hands-on work within the transportation sector.
• Locomotive mechanics are responsible for a range of duties including operating heavy equipment, ensuring safety compliance, diagnosing malfunctions and performing repairs and maintenance on locomotives.
• Training to become a diesel locomotive mechanic typically involves technical education and hands-on learning, with programs like the 45-week Diesel Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) providing a foundation for pursuing entry-level positions in the railway industry.^1,7
• While specific salary data for locomotive mechanics is not provided, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).²⁹ This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

How To Become a Train Mechanic

1. Apply and enroll

First, ensure you're at least 16 years old. If you're under 18, don't forget to bring a parent or guardian along for the UTI Enrollment Agreement. Then, make sure you’ve got the documentation necessary to confirm you meet our entrance requirements, including a high school diploma, a GED or another form of accepted documentation that confirms your completion of a prior schooling program.

Now that you have your documents ready and you're all set to enroll in our 45-week Diesel Technology program, let’s talk about another crucial step: financing your education!⁷ This is where our Financial Aid Advisors come into play, acting as your go-to resource for navigating the maze of funding opportunities available to offset the trade school tuition of students who qualify.    

Whether you’re interested in grants, scholarships or student loans, they’ll help you apply for the best-suited options tailored to your funding needs and eligibility.¹⁰ Reach out to them, ask questions and explore how you can fund a path toward a career!

Read: Admissions Requirements

2. Complete your training

Now, it’s time to dive into your diesel courses and get your hands dirty! Here’s where the real fun begins—you're not just hitting the books; you'll be training directly with diesel engines and being taught all the ins and outs of maintenance and repair.    

Picture yourself in the lab workshop, tools in hand, surrounded by fellow engine enthusiasts, as you soak up skills that will serve you well on your career path. This hands-on training experience is designed to transform your passion into employable skills and give you the confidence needed for the railway industry!¹⁸

Read: Diesel Technology Courses

3. Use your training to pursue a career

With your training complete, it's time to pursue a career in the diesel industry! Update that resume with all the skills and training credentials you’ve earned—whether that’s a diploma, degree or certificate—and prepare to apply for jobs. Reach out to our Career Advisors and learn how to show employers that you’ve got the skills they’re looking for!    

With the right experience, skills and local job opportunities, you can eventually apply for more advanced roles down the road, including positions as a train mechanic!⁷⁷

Diesel Locomotive Mechanic Job Description

Being aware of some of the duties and responsibilities of a locomotive mechanic can help those interested in the field decide if it might be a good career path for them to follow. These duties include:

• Operating heavy equipment, such as hydraulic lifts and mechanical drills
• Ensuring compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety
• Inspecting components for compliance with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
• Diagnosing malfunctions in train equipment
• Replacing locomotive and diesel engine components
• Servicing locomotives, including changing fuel and oils    
• Maintaining records of maintenance and repairs performed on equipment    
• Using gas or electrical welding equipment to join metals and alloys    
• Traveling to various locations to make repairs

As mentioned above, complying with safety standards set by the FRA is essential for all locomotive mechanics. And if you’re detail-oriented and want to work in a hands-on environment, this could be the field for you.

Locomotive Mechanic vs. Railroad Mechanic    

Both locomotive mechanics and railroad mechanics play important roles in the railway industry, each group with specific responsibilities and areas of expertise. While both positions are key for the smooth operation of rail transportation, their scopes of work and specializations are different.

Railroad mechanic

Railroad mechanics, also known as train mechanics, are more generalized in their scope of work, handling a broader array of railway equipment including passenger cars, freight cars and other specialized equipment used in rail transportation. Railroad mechanic work is not limited to the engine but instead applies to all of the equipment used in a railway setup.

While railroad mechanics might be thought of as generalists within the rail industry, locomotive mechanics are specialists. Railroad mechanics are knowledgeable about a variety of rail equipment and may perform tasks ranging from replacing worn-out components to inspecting and maintaining hydraulic systems across a range of rail vehicles.

Locomotive mechanic

Locomotive mechanics are train mechanics who specifically service the locomotive,               ensuring the functioning of locomotives by maintaining, repairing and inspecting these systems. They have specialized knowledge of the locomotive engine components, including brakes and other integral systems, which helps them make sure that the train's power unit is in good condition to safely transport goods and passengers.     

They also often specialize in specific types of locomotives: diesel or electric, for instance. They might even push this specialization further, focusing on specific components of these locomotives, like electrical systems or diesel engines.

In short, all locomotive mechanics are a subset of train mechanics, but not all train mechanics are necessarily locomotive mechanics. Train mechanics may have broader expertise, whereas locomotive mechanics are more specialized.    

Read: How Do Diesel Hydraulic Brakes Work?

Train Mechanic Salary and Job Outlook    

Having as much information as possible is important when you’re considering a future mechanic career. While there is no specific U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) information on a median train mechanic salary, there is data that can offer some insight.

There is data on median salaries for diesel service technicians and mechanics, which can give a general idea of what a locomotive mechanic earns. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the United States was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹

This means half of diesel technicians earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Locomotive mechanics play important roles in the transportation industry, working on equipment that allows trains hauling cargo or passengers to run and perform efficiently. The various trades and industries using these modes of transport help maintain the demand for skilled mechanics.   

Read: How To Train To Become a Bus Mechanic

Train Mechanic FAQs

1. What are the job responsibilities of a locomotive mechanic?

Locomotive mechanics are responsible for conducting regular maintenance, diagnosing mechanical issues and repairing or replacing faulty components on locomotives. They also perform thorough inspections to ensure safety and compliance with regulations.

2. What qualifications are required to become a locomotive mechanic?

Most employers require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED, alongside technical training in diesel technology or a related field. Hands-on experience and a strong understanding of skills involving diesel engines, electrical systems and preventative maintenance are also important.

3. Are there any specific certifications or licenses needed to become a locomotive mechanic?

While not always required, employers often look for mechanics who are certified by recognized institutions like the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE). Some states may also require mechanics to hold specific licenses.

4. Where can I find training programs for locomotive mechanics?

Technical and vocational schools can offer training programs for aspiring locomotive mechanics. Community colleges may also provide associate degree programs in diesel technology or related fields.

5. What is the median salary of a locomotive technician?

We don’t have the specific numbers on locomotive mechanics’ average salary in the United States.

However, we do know that, according to the BLS, the median annual salary for bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists in the U.S. was $58,970 in May 2023.²⁹ This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

6. How long does it take to complete locomotive mechanic training?

Typically, a program in diesel technology can be completed in one to two years. UTI’s Diesel Technology program takes just 45 weeks. That’s less than a year!⁷

7. Are there any additional skills or experience that can increase a locomotive mechanic’s salary?

Yes. Skills in advanced technologies, such as computer diagnostics, and experience with specific types of locomotives may increase a mechanic's earnings potential. Also, managerial or supervisory roles typically come with higher salaries. ⁶

Read: What Is a Heavy-Duty Diesel Mechanic?

Prepare To Pursue a Career as a Train Mechanic at UTI!    

If the idea of working on trains sounds right up your alley, one of the first steps you can take toward this goal is training at a trade school. The Diesel Technology program at UTI can help you get the hands-on training you need to prepare for an entry-level job in the industry!¹⁸

Interested in finding out more about training to become a train mechanic? Visit our website or call an Admissions Representative at 1-800-834-7308 to request information about our diesel program.

UTI Campuses That Offer Diesel Mechanic Training

• Avondale, Arizona
• Long Beach, California
• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Sacramento, California
• Miramar, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Lisle, Illinois
• Bloomfield, New Jersey
• Exton, Pennsylvania
• Austin, Texas
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Houston, Texas