73310
Railway and yard locomotive engineers
- Express Entry skill level
- Yes
- Regulated in Québec
- No
- In demand in Manitoba
- Yes
Classification
Trades, transport & equipment operators
7 › 73 › 733 › 7331
Definition
Railway locomotive engineers operate railway locomotives to transport passengers and freight. They are employed by railway transport companies. Yard locomotive engineers operate locomotives within yards of railway, industrial or other establishments. They are employed by railway transport companies and industrial or commercial users of rail transport.
Main duties
- This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Railway locomotive engineers
- 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.
- Yard locomotive engineers
- 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.
Example job titles
- •locomotive engineer - railway
- •railway engineer
- •switch engineer - railway
- •transfer hostler - railway
- •yard engineer - railway
Overview
Under Canada's National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, Railway and yard locomotive engineers are classified under NOC code 73310, falling within TEER Category 3. These skilled professionals operate diesel, gas-turbine-electric, or electric locomotives to transport passengers and freight safely across Canadian railway networks. They are also responsible for operating yard locomotives to switch, move, and position railway cars for loading, unloading, or assembly. They are primarily employed by railway transport companies.
To qualify for employment in Canada under NOC 73310, candidates typically require a high school diploma and several years of experience as a railway conductor. Completion of a specialized locomotive engineer training program and certification under the Railway Association of Canada or specific provincial regulatory bodies are generally mandatory. Key responsibilities include inspecting engine systems prior to departure, monitoring control panels, adhering to signals, and communicating constantly with train dispatchers to ensure safe transit.
Skilled foreign workers in this category may qualify for Canadian permanent residency through federal immigration programs such as the Express Entry system, specifically the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP), or through various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) that target in-demand transportation occupations. Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. For official guidance, please consult a regulated Canadian immigration professional or Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.