Questions about becoming an engineer

Hi, I am currently a high school freshman from Staten Island, New York who has always wanted to become a train engineer. I know that it may not be as easy as it looks but it's what I want to do as my future career. I wanted to know what train operating company in my area would be the best for me to work for(Metro-North RR, Long Island RR, Amtrak, MTA Subways or the Staten Island Rwy)? As my school doesn't offer any transit related courses, I wanted to know if there is any colleges, schools or training centers around the New York area that offer courses that I can go to after I finish high school to become a passenger engineer?

I've heard that Metro-North and LIRR are the highest paying in the country.

Ask Dutch Rail-Nut, maybe he will have more helpful information.

CSX Conductor wrote:I've heard that Metro-North and LIRR are the highest paying in the country.

Perhaps in absolute terms, but I wouldn't be surprised if the cost-of-living in that area pretty makes it comparable to other areas.

Anyway, I would try to get hired on by a company that pays you during training. Something about pay-as-you-go training (and then not being guaranteed a job upon graduation) really bothers me.

I believe CSX Cndr. is right about pay. MNRR & LIRR base pay is but they do not have the same arbitraries as Class 1 RR's like mileage and inital and final delays, tie ups etc.. LIRR was hiring from off the street engineers. MNRR hires internally. You could get a job as a assistant conductor, car knocker or car cleaner and transfer after 1 year to become an engineer

Swedish Meatball wrote: MNRR & LIRR base pay is but they do not have the same arbitraries as Class 1 RR's like mileage and inital and final delays, tie ups etc..

As a new-hire it won't matter because most of the Class I's only give ITD and FTD and some many other arbitraries to "Pre-1985" employees.