Railroads employ about 82 percent of all rail transportation workers. The rest work for state and local governments as subway and streetcar operators, and for mining and manufacturing establishments operating their own locomotives and rail cars to move ore, coal, and other bulk materials. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most railroad transportation workers begin as yard laborers, and later may have the opportunity to be trained for engineer or conductor jobs. Railroads require that applicants have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants must have good hearing, eyesight, and color vision, as well as good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and mechanical aptitude.
Physical stamina is required for brake operator jobs.
Employers require applicants for railroad transportation jobs to pass a physical examination and tests that screen for drug and alcohol use. In addition, under Federal law all members of train crews are subject to random drug and alcohol testing while on duty. On most railroads, brake operators begin by helping assemble and disassemble trains in the yard. After these operators gain experience, they may have the opportunity for road assignments, although trains now carry brake operators only when they pick up, and drop off a lot of cars en route. Railroads require that applicants for locomotive engineer jobs be at least 21 years old.