MEET THE PRO: Jasmine Fregoso, Locomotive Service Operator
By Arkansas Next on Friday, October 13, 2023
Hometown: Bryant
Age: 20
Where I Trained: Bryant High School
What I Earned: High School Diploma
Job Title: Locomotive service operator
Employer: Union Pacific Railroad
Jasmine Fregoso said she was first introduced to workforce opportunities for those who don’t want to pursue a college degree through Arkansas Next: Pros magazine (which she received in high school, like you!).
“When I got out of high school, I was looking for a job with opportunities for growth and a job where I didn’t necessarily have to go to college to get a good paycheck,” Jasmine said.
After trying college for one semester, Jasmine ultimately decided learning on the job (rather than in a classroom) was a better fit.
Jasmine grew up surrounded by family and friends involved in the railroad industry, she quickly learned her way around heavy machinery at a young age. This background inspired her to pursue a profession with locomotives (powerful vehicles that pull train cars on the railway).
Her daily tasks include operating and moving the locomotives between tracks for maintenance and preparing the machines for the next train crew. She's responsible for inspecting and cleaning the locomotives—checking the oil, water levels, air filters and windows.
“We are constantly communicating with each other through our radios, and it’s important for my safety and for my fellow workers that we listen carefully and understand the directions we’re being given.” Jasmine said.
Jasmine said she enjoys the fact that her job isn’t a typical 9-to-5 day—“it’s a lifestyle.” And a big perk of the job is the financial stability. Not only does Jasmine earn money for travel and living expenses, but she’s also already started saving for her retirement at just 20 years old.
She touts even more benefits to a career with Union Pacific Railroad, including advancement opportunities, “job stability that comes with union membership,” self-improvement through tuition reimbursement programs and free gym memberships, and employee assistance programs that offer emotional support.
“There is a lot of pressure in today’s world to get a college degree, but don’t let that stop you from choosing a career that makes you happy and that may be better suited for your skills,” Jasmine said. “You don’t need a college degree to have a successful career or financial stability.”
WHAT DOES A LOCOMOTIVE SERVICE OPERATOR DO?
Drive locomotives and other heavy machinery, plus servicing tasks
Education Needed:
High school diploma or equivalent and on-the-job training
You'll be great at this too if...
► You can’t wait to get your driver’s license
► You don’t mind doing some heavy lifting
► You’re not interested in a typical desk job
► You are precise and detail-oriented
High-end earners (top 10%) make
$100,016 Annual
$48.08 Hourly
Median wages in Arkansas
$45,000-$63,000 Annual
$22.93-$30.57 Hourly
WHERE TO WORK
- Union Pacific Railroad
Sources: salary.com (U.S. wage data)
**Union Pacific wage data for Arkansas
