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Freight Conductor Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

$65 - $90/hr

With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we ... As a Conductor, you'll play a key role in moving freight safely and efficiently to customers. We ...

New

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

$71.64/hr

With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we ... As a Switchman/Engineer or Utility Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail ...

New

Watco

Shift Lead - Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... freight. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring procedures and operations increase ...

Watco

Shift Lead - Louisville, KY

Louisville, KY · On-site

$21 - $23/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... freight. This position plays a crucial role in ensuring procedures and operations increase ...

Saber Power, LLC

$110 - $160/hr

... conductors, cable, structures, grounding systems, station service equipment, and other substation ... freight, escalation, taxes, allowances, contingencies, and procurement-related assumptions.

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Freight Conductor information

See Kentucky salary details

$24

$28

$32

How much do freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight conductor in Kentucky is $28.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.54 and $30.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 procedures, operate communication tools, and may need to obtain certification such as a freight conductor license, with some positions requiring prior experience in rail or transportation industries.
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Freight Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Conductor job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $59,563 per year, or $28.6 per hour.

Conductor

Genesee & Wyoming Inc.

On-site

$65 - $90/hr

Other

Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New

Genesee & Wyoming rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 31 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

267th of 366 rated logistics

Job description

Locations

Georgia Southwestern Railroad, Inc. (GSWR)
Dawson, GA 39842, USA

Full-Time

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team — part of a legacy that is over 125 years old. With a network of 100+ individual freight railroads and 4,000 employees across North America, we provide transportation and logistics services to more than 2,000 customers.

At G&W, we live by our Core Values: Safety, Service, Integrity, Respect, Transparency, Accountability, Innovation and Excellence. We offer competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, and paid training to help you succeed. Check out some of our great benefits below:

  • Life Insurance
  • Optional benefit coverages for Accident, Critical Illness, Hospital, ID Theft & Life Insurance
  • Flexible Spending & Health Savings account plans
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • On the Job Training
  • Paid Time Off
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • And more!

* Benefits are subject to change and may vary by labor agreement

Explore your future with G&W today and learn more about the opportunities to grow across our organization!

Job Summary:

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 career. You’ll work outdoors in all weather conditions, tackling new challenges each day while ensuring we meet our customers’ needs. This is a physically active position with real opportunities for growth and advancement in a complex and dynamic environment.

  • Comply with all federal, state, and other applicable railroad safety and operational regulations
  • Follow instructions when working with a certified trainer, mentor, or supervisor
  • Communicate with team members using oral, written, hand signals, lantern signals or radio instructions to coordinate train or railcar movement
  • Operate track switches to determine the route of the train or rail equipment
  • Evaluate, plan, and complete all assigned work safely and efficiently
  • Climb on and off equipment and walk the length of the train or rail yard to support train operations
  • Apply or release hand brakes on railcars multiple times a day to control movement
  • Read and understand the rule books and other written or printed material
  • Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary for safety compliance
  • Connect air hoses and electrical components between locomotives or railcars
  • Utilize basic computer skills proficiently for electronic reporting and train documentation
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:
  • Full-time (40 plus hours weekly)
  • Varying schedule in a 24/7 work environment that includes nights, holidays, weekends, and on-call as needed
  • Outdoor work in all weather conditions working up to a 12-hour shift
  • Walking long distances on uneven surfaces and climbing ladders and equipment always ensuring three points of contact in varying environmental conditions
  • Able to lift up to 75 pounds from floor to waist and carry short distances
  • Able to squat, bend and lift overhead
  • Have good balance and coordination
  • Must meet vision requirements (including color)
Skills and Experience:
  • 2+ years of related or relevant work experience is a plus
  • Effective communication skills both written and verbal
  • Experience working in a safety-sensitive environment is a plus
  • Possess situational awareness and decision-making abilities to respond effectively in a safety sensitive environment
Required Education and Credentials:
  • High school diploma or GED; or an equivalent combination of education and/or work experience
  • Valid driver’s license
  • At least 18 years of age
Employment Requirements:
  • Pre-employment physical, hearing, and vision medical review
  • Subject to federally mandated drug and alcohol testing including pre-employment drug screening
  • Background screening including criminal and motor vehicle driving history
Relocation:

Must live within 50 miles of assigned location or be willing to relocate. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.

This position is employed by the specific entity set forth in the job posting.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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