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Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Watco Corp

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Mcpherson, KS · On-site

$22/hr

Conductor - McPherson, KS Job Location: McPherson, KS Depot-67460 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full Time Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world ...

Verde Canyon Railroad

Conductor

Clarkdale, AZ · On-site

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Verde Canyon Railroad is seeking a qualified Conductor to support both our scenic excursion trains and freight operations. This safety-sensitive role is responsible for the safe movement of trains ...

Verde Canyon Railroad

Conductor

Clarkdale, AZ

$21.25 - $27.75/hr

Verde Canyon Railroad is seeking a qualified Conductor to support both our scenic excursion trains and freight operations. This safety-sensitive role is responsible for the safe movement of trains ...

Rail Management Services

Conductor

Salt Lake City, UT · On-site

$45K - $65K/yr

The Conductor is responsible for the movement of rail equipment to ensure the accurate placement of rail cars that will facilitate the loading and unloading of trains in the rail yard. Job ...

Cando Rail & Terminals Ltd.

Conductor

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Conductors with Cando are responsible for providing safe and efficient rail car switching services. If you enjoy working outdoors, physical activity, problem solving, and a company that promotes a ...

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 ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Engineer/Conductor 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

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 ...

Watco Corp

Conductor - Horicon, WI

Horicon, WI · On-site

Conductor - Horicon, WI Job Location: Horicon, WI 53032 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full Time Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference Keep the world's supply ...

CSX Corporation

Freight Conductor - Cayce, SC

Cayce, SC · On-site

Please read entire posting before applying to this position. A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading ...

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Conductor information

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$15

$25

$31

How much do conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 4, 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 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 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 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 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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,785 per year, or $25.9 per hour.
Conductor - McPherson, KS

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Watco Corp

Mcpherson, KS • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

235th of 337 rated logistics

Job description

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Job Location: McPherson, KS Depot-67460 Office Location: Onsite Employment Type: Hourly Job Type: Full Time

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 or 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 Starting Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00

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:

  • A Conductor must demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • The Conductor 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.
  • 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.
  • The Conductor 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.

Education: High School or GED equivalent

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