Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
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.Salary by State
| State Name | Employment | Annual Salary | Hourly Salary | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | 280 | $57,450 | $27.62 | |
| Arkansas | 550 | $65,570 | $31.52 | |
| California | 1,730 | $68,920 | $33.14 | |
| Colorado | 270 | $68,510 | $32.94 | |
| Florida | 630 | $68,280 | $32.83 | |
| Georgia | 1,980 | $72,790 | $35.00 | |
| Illinois | 3,020 | $68,980 | $33.16 | |
| Indiana | 1,310 | $73,190 | $35.19 | |
| Kansas | 1,310 | $59,520 | $28.62 | |
| Kentucky | 120 | $57,080 | $27.44 | |
| Louisiana | 790 | $62,720 | $30.15 | |
| Maryland | 130 | $52,030 | $25.01 | |
| Minnesota | 680 | $71,600 | $34.42 | |
| Mississippi | 630 | $52,250 | $25.12 | |
| Missouri | 1,010 | $66,510 | $31.98 | |
| Nebraska | 1,820 | $78,780 | $37.87 | |
| New Jersey | 1,930 | $71,220 | $34.24 | |
| New Mexico | 350 | $68,350 | $32.86 | |
| New York | 8,810 | $65,620 | $31.55 | |
| North Carolina | 540 | $73,270 | $35.23 | |
| North Dakota | 300 | $73,780 | $35.47 | |
| Ohio | 1,150 | $64,040 | $30.79 | |
| Oklahoma | 290 | $63,100 | $30.34 | |
| Oregon | 560 | $57,190 | $27.50 | |
| Pennsylvania | 2,250 | $61,220 | $29.43 | |
| South Carolina | 370 | $46,070 | $22.15 | |
| Texas | 5,250 | $66,410 | $31.93 | |
| Utah | 270 | $63,720 | $30.64 | |
| Virginia | 900 | $64,540 | $31.03 | |
| Washington | 1,280 | $69,210 | $33.27 | |
| West Virginia | 480 | $62,210 | $29.91 | |
| Wisconsin | 950 | $65,750 | $31.61 | |
| Wyoming | 570 | $70,060 | $33.69 |
Education
The programs listed below are typically the education paths that can land you this kind of job.
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to the operation of railroads and other aspects of the railway industry, including railroad and railyard service. Includes instruction in railway culture, operating skills, General Code of Operation rules, conductor service, signal systems, switching, transportation of hazardous materials, safety, and railway telecommunications systems.
Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS
Certificate
Associate Degree
International Air and Hospitality Academy
Vancouver, WA
Certificate
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$66,990 per yearNational average salaryModerateJob growth rate
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High school diploma or equivalentTypical education requirement
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Moderate-term on-the-job trainingTypical on-the-job training requirement
Educational Attainment
The following chart shows the highest education level completed by those working as railroad conductors and yardmasters.
- Less than high school 2%
- High school graduate 39%
- College dropout 35%
- Associate’s degree 11%
- Bachelor’s degree 12%
- Master’s degree 1%
- Doctorate degree 0%
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