Railroad Conductor

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love coordinating and managing dynamic train operations.
Ensure smooth and safe train journeys, impacting passengers and freight daily.
Unique role involving real-time problem-solving and route planning.

💰 Earn $65K-$75K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 1.9% JOB GROWTH

Find Training

What You’ll Do

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

3,700 Annually

Median Earnings

$64,760 in California

$71,130 Nationally

$25K

$50K

$75K

$100K

$125K

$150K

$175K

$200K

$225K

$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Railroad Conductor? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@elizaaamyers

@mommawenn

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Influencing or leading others
Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Coordination
Monitoring
Reading Comprehension
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Having freedom
Job security

Deep Dive

Railroad Conductor

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years