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Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI · On-site

$22.25 - $29/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance • A Conductor must follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule • ...

Alstom

Passenger Conductor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are looking for Passenger Conductors for our Los Angeles, CA or outlying points (Palmdale, Oceanside, San Bernardino etc.) facility.Could you be the full-time Passenger Conductors we are looking ...

Watco

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Conductor - Janesville, WI Job Location: Janesville-WI Depot-53548 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full Time Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world ...

Rail Management Services

Conductor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

Terminal Switching Services is looking for a Conductor to join our team working at the Union Pacific Salt Lake City Terminal! No experience in required in this entry level position as we'll teach you ...

Watco

Conductor - Winfield, KS

Winfield, KS

$22/hr

The Conductor is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.

Rail Management Services

Conductor

Dallas, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

Terminal Switching Services is looking for a Conductor to join our team working at the Union Pacific Dallas, TX Terminal! No experience is required in this entry level position as we'll teach you ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor

Patterson, CA · On-site

$30.26/hr

As a Conductor, you'll play a key role in moving freight safely and efficiently to customers. We will provide you with both classroom and hands-on training to set a strong foundation for a long-term ...

New

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Engineer/Conductor

Bay City, MI · On-site

$36.59/hr

Conductors operate track switches, couples and uncouples cars, and performs other duties associated with the movement of trains, cars, and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad. He or she ...

Alstom

Passenger Conductor

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

We are looking for Passenger Conductors for our Los Angeles, CA or outlying points (Palmdale, Oceanside, San Bernardino etc.) facility.Could you be the full-time Passenger Conductors we are looking ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

Rail Management Services

Train Conductor

The Woodlands, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

PRS Auto is hiring immediately for a Railroad Conductor & Engineer to join our team at the Union Pacific Houston, TX Auto Terminal! PRIOR EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. We are looking for ambitious, capable ...

Florida East Coast Railway

Conductor

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$39.86 - $44.42/hr

Paid classroom training for three (3) weeks; thereafter, new hire Conductors will continue on-the-job training in all levels of Conductor service (Yard, Local, Through Freight). Starting pay is $29 ...

omnitrax

Engineer / Conductor

Sand Springs, OK · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

Florida East Coast Railway

Conductor

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$39.86 - $44.42/hr

Paid classroom training for three (3) weeks; thereafter, new hire Conductors will continue on-the-job training in all levels of Conductor service (Yard, Local, Through Freight). Starting pay is $29 ...

G&W

Conductor

Patterson, CA · On-site

$30.26/hr

As a Conductor, you'll play a key role in moving freight safely and efficiently to customers. We will provide you with both classroom and hands-on training to set a strong foundation for a long-term ...

New

OmniTRAX

Engineer / Conductor

Tulsa, OK · On-site

POSITION SUMMARY The Engineer/Conductor oversees the train, freight, and crew: operates track switches, couples, and uncouples cars and places cars to facilitate loading and unloading, places cars ...

Rail Management Services

Train Conductor

Ennis, TX · On-site

$30K - $45K/yr

Terminal Switching Services is looking for a Conductor to join our team working at the Union Pacific Dallas, TX Terminal! No experience is required in this entry level position as we'll teach you ...

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Conductor information

See salary details

$15

$25

$31

How much do conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for conductor in the United States is $25.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.48 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What job makes $1,000,000 a year?

Conductor roles in the transportation industry typically do not reach $1,000,000 annually. High-earning executives or business owners in related fields may achieve this level of income, but most conductors earn significantly less. Exceptional cases involve union leadership or specialized roles with additional responsibilities and bonuses.

How much can you make as a conductor?

Conductors typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the type of transportation they work in. Salaries can vary widely, with some experienced conductors earning over $80,000 annually, especially in larger transit systems or freight railroads. Certification and union membership can also influence earnings.

How to apply for a conductor job?

To apply for a conductor position, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass a background check and drug screening. Many employers require completion of safety training and certification, such as a conductor or rail safety certification, before starting work. Applications are usually submitted online through company websites or job boards, and candidates may need to pass written and practical exams during the hiring process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Conductor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conductor, you need a deep understanding of musical theory, excellent baton technique, and typically formal education in music or conducting. Familiarity with digital score-reading software, audio equipment, and sometimes certification in music education are commonly required. Leadership, strong communication, and the ability to inspire and coordinate musicians are standout soft skills for this role. These skills ensure precise musical performances, effective rehearsals, and cohesive orchestral collaboration.

What does a conductor do?

A conductor is responsible for directing a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. They interpret the music, set the tempo, and guide musicians through rehearsals and performances using hand gestures and a baton. Conductors also work closely with composers and musicians to ensure the desired artistic expression and cohesion. Their role is crucial in achieving a unified, expressive performance from the group.

Is it hard to get hired as a train conductor?

Getting hired as a train conductor can be competitive and typically requires completing a training program, passing written and practical exams, and obtaining certification. Employers often look for good communication skills, attention to safety, and prior customer service or transportation experience.

What Do Conductors Do?

Train, or railroad, conductors oversee all train operations, cargo, and crew. They inspect the train to make sure it functions correctly and complies with all regulations. In addition to operating the train and making sure it reaches its final destination, they must maintain communication with railroad crew members and stations by radio and/or telephone.

What are some common challenges conductors face when leading an orchestra or ensemble?

Conductors often face the challenge of balancing the artistic vision with the technical abilities of their musicians. They must communicate their interpretation of the music clearly, manage rehearsal time efficiently, and address any conflicts or misunderstandings within the ensemble. Additionally, conductors need to adapt quickly to unexpected changes during performances, such as tempo fluctuations or missed cues, while maintaining the overall cohesion and energy of the group. Building trust and rapport with musicians is key to overcoming these challenges and achieving a successful performance.

What is the difference between Conductor vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectConductorTrain Dispatcher
CertificationsRailroad Certification, Safety TrainingRailroad Operations Certification, Safety Training
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, stations, yardsDispatch offices, control centers
Primary ResponsibilitiesPassenger safety, ticketing, train operationsCoordinating train movements, scheduling
Industry UsageRailroads, transit agenciesRailroads, freight companies

While both Conductor and Train Dispatcher work within the railroad industry, conductors focus on onboard operations, passenger safety, and ticketing, whereas train dispatchers coordinate train movements and schedules from control centers. Both roles require safety certifications and are essential for smooth rail operations, but they differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.

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Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conductor job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,785 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Conductor - Janesville, WI

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Watco

Janesville, WI • On-site

$22.25 - $29/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 hours ago

Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

250th of 355 rated logistics

Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all on the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Job Summary

The conductor/switchman position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• A Conductor must follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• The Conductor reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• The Conductor Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations. 
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well to apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions
• The Conductor Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, or lanterns at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.  

Education
High School or GED equivalent

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