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Freight Conductor Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Conductor

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$39.86 - $44.42/hr

Overview Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews. Place cars to ... Conductors will return to their home Miami terminal for on-the-job training in all levels of ...

Conductor

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

$39.86 - $44.42/hr

Overview Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews. Place cars to ... Conductors will return to their home Miami terminal for on-the-job training in all levels of ...

Overview Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews. Place cars to ... Conductors will return to their home Miami terminal for on-the-job training in all levels of ...

Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... This includes receiving inbound freight from linehaul trucks, classifying freight, and palletizing ...

Freight Conductor information

See Florida salary details

$20

$24

$27

How much do freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight conductor in Florida is $24.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.84 and $26.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How hard is it to become a freight conductor?

Becoming a freight conductor typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, on-the-job training, and passing a background check. Candidates often need to learn safety protocols, signaling, and operating procedures, with some positions requiring certification or experience in rail operations. The job can involve irregular hours and physical work, but entry is generally accessible with proper training and qualifications.

What is the difference between Freight Conductor vs Rail Yard Clerk?

AspectFreight ConductorRail Yard Clerk
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, railroad certificationsHigh school diploma, clerical skills, railroad certifications
Work EnvironmentOn trains, in rail yards, outdoorsIn rail yards, offices, indoors
Job DutiesSupervises train operations, ensures cargo safety, communicates with crewManages yard operations, schedules, and documentation

Freight Conductors and Rail Yard Clerks both work within the railroad industry, but Freight Conductors focus on train supervision and cargo safety on the move, while Rail Yard Clerks handle yard operations and administrative tasks. Both roles require railroad certifications and involve working in rail yard environments, but their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

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

To thrive as a Freight Conductor, you need strong knowledge of train operations, safety regulations, and logistics, usually supported by a high school diploma and completion of railroad training programs. Familiarity with electronic dispatch systems, radio communication equipment, and safety inspection tools is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for coordinating train movements and ensuring safety. These skills and qualifications are critical to maintaining efficient, safe, and timely rail operations.

What are some typical challenges freight conductors face while coordinating train operations?

Freight Conductors often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, adapting to unexpected delays (like weather or track issues), and ensuring clear communication between engineers, yard crews, and dispatchers. The role requires quick problem-solving and attention to detail to safely direct the movement of trains and handle cargo documentation. Additionally, conductors must remain vigilant for safety hazards and be prepared for physically demanding tasks during long or irregular shifts.

What is a freight conductor?

Freight Conductors are railroad employees responsible for coordinating and overseeing the movement of freight trains. Their duties include managing railcars, ensuring correct cargo loading and unloading, communicating with engineers and dispatchers, and ensuring safety regulations are followed. They play a crucial role in making sure that goods are delivered efficiently and safely across the rail network. Freight Conductors often work irregular hours and must be prepared for outdoor work in various weather conditions.

Do freight conductors make a lot of money?

Freight conductors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with experienced workers and those in certain regions earning higher wages. Their compensation can include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, and the job often requires working irregular hours and safety certifications.
More about Freight Conductor jobs
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What job categories do people searching Freight Conductor jobs in Florida look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Conductor jobs in Florida are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Conductor jobs in FL? For Freight Conductor jobs in FL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Freight Conductor job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,249 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

$39.86 - $44.42/hr

Other

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Overview
Supervise train crews on a freight train and coordinate switch engine crews. Place cars to facilitate loading and unloading and the makeup and breakdown on trains in a rail yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Start date scheduled for October 5, 2026. Paid training will commence in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for three (3) weeks; thereafter, new hire Conductors will return to their home Miami terminal for on-the-job training in all levels of Conductor service (Yard, Local, Through Freight).
Starting pay is $29.34/hr. Salary will increase between $39.86 - $44.42/hr once qualified (after the probationary period ends) per collective bargaining agreement
Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
  • Review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew
  • Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
  • Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
  • Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
  • Assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
  • Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Operate locomotive equipment through the use of remote control device.
  • Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
  • Quickly and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions
  • Quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.)
  • Assist other employees when and where instructed

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
  • Must have a valid driver's license
  • 2 years verifiable work experience and/or college
  • No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Outside work experience
  • Mechanical aptitude
  • Experience working on an on-call basis
  • Experience working varying shift schedules
  • Heavy equipment experience

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:
  • Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications-both general and technical)
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity
  • Basic Math
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals

JOB REQUIREMENTS:
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work, including on-call 7 days a week, 24 hours per day, with extended periods of time away from home and short rest between assignments in accordance with the hours of service regulation
  • Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
  • Work hours are based on seniority - new hires will work primarily nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to report to work safely with two-hour notice
  • Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time frame, or failure to accept a call for work
  • Lift up to 90 pounds occasionally
  • Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/balance/climb on an occasional basis
  • Work outside in all weather conditions and on occasion at elevated heights
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Wear protective equipment such as hard hat, hearing protection, safety-toe boots, or safety glasses
  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain
  • Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
  • Ride on the outside of rail equipment for long periods of time
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
  • Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
  • Must successfully complete probationary period
  • May require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
  • Must pass all required assessments
  • Must pass a background and drug screening
  • Requires a medical examination, including physical capabilities, audio and vision testing
  • Must meet color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations
  • Active employees must complete one year in current position or craft before applying for positions
  • An active or furloughed employee who changes to a new craft may be required to permanently relinquish his/her seniority in the former craft unless otherwise provided for in the applicable collective bargaining agreement or other governing agreement.
  • This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, membership is required

Our company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.