Loco Pilot Salary in India - Per Month, After 10 Years, Top Cities
A loco pilot is a professional responsible for operating and driving trains, as well as making necessary repairs along the route. Loco pilots are in charge of monitoring, preparing reports, troubleshooting, and operating the engines. Aspiring locomotive pilots begin their careers as assistants and with experience and knowledge they progress in their careers. A loco pilot follows railway concepts, guidelines, and rules that govern the locomotive operation. Loco Pilots are highly skilled experts who understand machine learning, railway engines, and how they work. Loco pilots are also in charge of passenger safety and security on trains.
- Job Profiles in Indian Railways
- Loco Pilot Salary in Indian Railways
- Eligibility Criteria
- How to Become a Loco Pilot
- Loco Pilot Salary in India Based on Experience
- Loco Pilot Promotional Hierarchy & Pay Levels (7th CPC)
Job Profiles in Indian Railways
They have a variety of job profiles in India, including assistant
- Loco Pilot (Mail)
- Loco Pilot (Goods)
- Loco Pilot (Passenger)
- Shunting Loco Pilot
Loco Pilot Salary in Indian Railways
The loco pilot salary in Indian railways is Rs. 4 Lakhs to Rs. 22.0 Lakhs per year. The Loco Pilot salary starts from Rs. 0.2 Lakh per year and their monthly salary is Rs. 17,000 per month.
Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 18 to 28 years of age.
- Age Relaxation: Applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-servicemen as per government rules.
- Medical Fitness: Candidates are required to undergo vision and hearing tests.
How to Become a Loco Pilot
Step 1: Clear 10+2
Aspiring applicants must have completed their 10+2 (or equivalent course), from a certified board. They should score a minimum of 50 per cent from any recognised Indian board in main subjects such as English, Mathematics, Physics, Electronics, mechanics, and computer science.
To begin a career as a Loco Pilot a candidate must initially work as an assistant Loco Pilot. To be eligible for this position after the 10+2, aspirants must take a diploma in the engineering entrance test for several streams such as
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
Step 2: Obtain a Diploma
A diploma in railway engineering or an equivalent diploma or degree helps the candidate understand the job's rules, regulations, and main responsibilities.
Step 3: Consider an Associate or Bachelor's Degree
If students choose to pursue a bachelor's degree, they must also meet the individual eligibility requirements of the various educational institutions. The selection criteria and the application process differ widely from institute to institute.
The RRB ALP is the Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) exam used to hire candidates for the Indian Railways. The Computer Based Test (CBT 1 & CBT 2 Exam), CBAT is exclusively for ALP and is used to select applicants.
Also Read: SSC CGL Notification
Step 4: ITI Programmes:
Loco Pilots must complete an ITI programme from an institution accredited by the National Council for Vocational Training or a state council for vocational training. They can also pursue engineering degrees from an All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE)-an accredited institute in any of the electrical, electronic, mechanical, or automotive engineering fields. ITI's average salary in India is Rs. 1.8 lakhs.
Skills Required for Loco Pilot
To become a loco pilot, candidates must develop physical fitness along with some of the relevant skills that are mentioned below. To work successfully and grow in their jobs, candidates must gain significant loco pilot skills such as, .
- Critical Thinking Skills
- Technical Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Physical Fitness
Also Read: SSC MTS Notification
Loco Pilot Salary in India Based on Experience
The Starting Basic Pay per month of a Loco Pilot in India is Rs. 19,900. The Estimated Starting Gross Monthly Salary of a Loco Pilot is around Approximately Rs 35,000 - Rs. 40,000. Along with the handsome pay, they receive several additional benefits like,
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Currently 50 per cent of Basic Pay
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on city classification
- Transport Allowance (TPA): Fixed amount based on city + DA
| Feature | Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Loco Pilot (Goods/Passenger/Mail Express) |
|---|---|---|
Recruitment Stage | Entry-Level (Direct Recruitment via RRB) | Promoted Position (after serving as ALP) |
Pay Level (7th CPC) | Level 2 | Typically Level 6 |
Starting Basic Pay | Rs 19,900 per month | Rs 35,400 per month (at the start of Level 6) |
Also Read: SSC CHSL Notification
Loco Pilot Promotional Hierarchy & Pay Levels (7th CPC)
The table below shows the structured promotional hierarchy of the loco pilot profession. Read further to get a clear idea.
| Promotional Stage/Designation | Typical Pay Level (7th CPC) | Starting Basic Pay (at that level) |
|---|---|---|
Assistant Loco Pilot (ALP) | Level 2 | Rs 19,900 |
Loco Pilot (Shunting) | Level 4 / Level 5 | Rs 25,500 / 29,200 |
Loco Pilot (Goods) | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 |
Loco Pilot (Passenger) / Sr. Goods Pilot | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 |
Loco Pilot (Mail / Express) | Level 6 | Rs 35,400 |
Chief Loco Inspector (CLI) / Loco Foreman | Level 7² | Rs 44,900 |
Loco Pilot in Indian Railways is a highly respected and valued career many youngsters aspire for. This field offers unmatched opportunities along with great career stability that candidates dream of in any profession. With several additional benefits, competitive salaries and annual promotions, the loco pilot profession exist as the best and most sought after careers in India