73310 – Railway and yard locomotive engineers
This occupation is on IRCC's Express Entry high-wage list (median wage at least 1.5 times the average median wage). From November 3, 2026, 12 months of qualifying Canadian work experience in it can add 40 CRS points, or a qualifying job offer in it can earn 70 points. Only the higher of the two counts, not both.
Lead statement
Railway locomotive engineers Railway locomotive engineers operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight.
Main duties
- 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.
- 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.
Employment requirements
- 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.
- Railway locomotive engineers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
- Experience as a railway yard worker may be required for yard locomotive engineers.
Example job titles
freight train engineer · passenger train locomotive engineer · passenger train engineer · railway engineer · railway locomotive engineer · yard locomotive engineer - railway · locomotive engineer - railway · yard engineer - railway
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $33.00 | $50.00 | $68.85 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.04 | $45.85 | $56.34 |
| New Brunswick | $37.82 | $50.52 | $60.68 |
| Quebec | $31.97 | $43.00 | $64.90 |
| Ontario | $32.05 | $56.09 | $72.12 |
| Manitoba | $32.88 | $43.96 | $72.53 |
| Saskatchewan | $32.05 | $44.87 | $67.31 |
| Alberta | $35.34 | $48.63 | $62.16 |
| British Columbia | $36.55 | $54.00 | $69.71 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.