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Freight Conductor Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Conductor

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Overview Herzog Transit Services, Inc. is currently seeking a Conductor in Austin, TX to join our ... and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our existence. It is that ...

Conductor

Austin, TX ยท On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Overview Herzog Transit Services, Inc. is currently seeking a Conductor in Austin, TX to join our ... and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our existence. It is that ...

Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance ... This position has various responsibilities including freight sales, customer spot pricing, carrier ...

Warehouse Technician I

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$19 - $22/hr

Prepares freight bills and monitors accuracy of completion * Works closely with freight carriers ... semi-conductor, and/or distribution industry * Warehouse management system experience (TWL ...

Freight Conductor information

See Texas salary details

$25

$30

$34

How much do freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight conductor in Texas is $30.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.46 and $32.93 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
What are popular job titles related to Freight Conductor jobs in Texas? For Freight Conductor jobs in Texas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freight Conductor jobs in Texas look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Conductor jobs in Texas are:
What are popular job titles related to Freight Conductor jobs in TX? For Freight Conductor jobs in TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Freight Conductor job openings in Texas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,892 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Engineer/Conductor - PNR

OmniTRAX

Borger, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

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 and engines in rail yards and on the main railroad; operates trains safely by complying with operating rules and train handling policies to transport freight in a satisfactory manner. Executes the mechanical operation of the train, train speed, and handling. Ensures clear communication with dispatcher and track authority; receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company policies and procedures and Federal Railroad Association rules and regulations to meet company objectives.
The Locomotive Engineer/Conductor demonstrates and adheres to the company values of: safety, honesty, ownership, respect, and teamwork to ensure successful partnerships with customers and employees that result in OmniTRAX's continued success.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad rules and regulations for safety, operation, and the FRA
  • Move trains safely in the yards and over roads
  • Manipulate throttle and brake controls; interprets gauges and controls
  • Operate valves and switches both inside and outside of the cab, including applying and releasing handbrakes
  • Operate track switches, inspect equipment on cars and use radio communications to control train movement
  • 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
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Review instructions from Trainmaster and discuss with train crew
  • Coordinate execution of railcar switch list
  • Communicate with other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol
  • Adhere to directions from conductors and brakemen
  • Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew member(s) for movement of the engine or train using lantern, hand and flag signals, or radio to indicate when to start, stop, and back-up or set and release air brakes
  • Observe, interpret, and relay arm, lantern, or radio signals and all other indications affecting movement of a train
  • Operate track switches (visually checks switch condition and direction) to change the direction of the engine or cars within yard limits or on the main railroad; may apply or release hand brakes to switch or perform other duties
  • Read and understand the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions, and other written or printed material
  • Prepare required daily reports, switch lists (manually or with a computer), and fill out forms including train orders
  • Inspect the condition of the train and equipment in movement and while stationary
  • May couple air and electrical connections between locomotives when making up trains
  • Judge speed and distance of moving objects or parts
  • Recall information required from work activity

OTHER DUTIES
  • Report to work as called on a 24-hour schedule
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Wear required protective equipment such as: hard hats, hearing protection, safety-toe boots or safety glasses
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime and various shift work
  • Perform other duties and projects as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • None

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • 2-3 years of Train Services experience
  • Aptitude in the Transportation field and desire to learn
  • Pass post-offer job and health related examinations including: operating rules examination, vision and hearing test
  • Comply with all new and outstanding railroad instructions regarding the operation of the train
  • Read, comprehend and comply with published rules, procedures and manuals, inspection checklists, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information
  • Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Write legibly to complete routine reports and other work documents
  • Effectively communicate and demonstrate interpersonal skills with all level of employees, and business associates in a clear concise and professional manner
  • Demonstrate problem solving and troubleshooting skills resulting in effective resolution
  • Professional integrity and accountability
  • Work in fast-paced, collaborative environment

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • Valid State Driver's License
  • FRA Conductor Certified
  • FRA Locomotive Engineer Certified: required post hire

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Previous experience in Rail Transportation, Supply Chain Logistics, Manufacturing and/or Oil & Gas industries

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES
  • None

WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • Exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather including: snow, rain, heat, and sub-freezing temps; loud noise and fumes from gas, oil and grease

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Strength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Height From
Height To
Lifting - Knuckle
X
85 lb
Two Hands
0 in
46 in
Strength
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Height
Rotation
Grip Pattern
Pushing - Auto Rack Brake
X
83 lb
Two Hands
67.5 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pushing - Ergo Bow Switch
X
133.7 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - Pin Lifter
X
86 lb
Either
25 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - Wheel Brake Tank Car
X
129.3 lb
Right
36 in
Neutral
Hook
Pulling - Wheel Brake Hopper Car
X
136.2 lb
Right
36 in
Neutral
Hook
Pulling - Ground Switch
X
46.8 lb
Two Hands
5 in
Supinated
Cylinder
Pulling - Derail
X
57.5 lb
Two Hands
7 in
Pronated
Cylinder
Pulling - Ergo Bow Switch
X
75.1 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Cylinder
Pulling - High Stand Switch
X
87 lb
Two Hands
36 in
Pronated
Cylinder
Pulling - Align Knuckle
X
160.4 lb
Two Hands
35 in
Neutral
Hook
Grip & Pinch
Occ
Freq
Cons
Weight/ Force
Side
Rotation
Grip Setting/Type
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip
X
47 lb
Left
Neutral
3
Hand Grip - Hose Coupling Grip
X
47 lb
Right
Neutral
3
Upper Body
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
Reaching - Below Knee
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) below the level of the knee.
Reaching - Over Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) above shoulder level.
Reaching - Knee to Shoulder
X
Extending hand(s) and arm(s) between knee and shoulder level.
Handling - Both
X
Seizing, holding, grasping, turning, or otherwise working with hands.
Fingering - Fine Motor Manipulation
X
Picking, pinching, or otherwise working primarily with fingers.
Cervical Flexion/Extension
X
Flexing and/or extending at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Cervical
X
Rotating at the cervical spine.
Rotation - Thoracic & Lumbar
X
Rotating at the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Lower Body
Occ
Freq
Cons
Description
Sitting
X
Remaining in a seated position.
Standing
X
Remaining on one's feet in an upright position without moving about.
Walking
X
Moving about on foot.
Climbing
X
Ascending or descending between two points.
Balancing
X
Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
Stooping
X
Bending body forward by bending spine at the waist.
Kneeling - Two Knees
X
Bending legs at knees to come to rest on one or both knees.
Crouching/Squatting
X
Bending body downward and forward by bending legs and spine.
Other Physical Demands
Occ
Freq
Cons
Type/Position/Description
Vision
X
Per FRA Requirements
Hearing
X
Per FRA Requirements
*Occ = Occasional; defined as 1-33% of a usual and customary workday.
*Freq = Frequent; defined as 34-66% of a usual and customary workday.
*Cons = Constant; defined as 67-100% of a usual and customary workday.
** Not all tasks required at each location. Position and physical demand is representative, but individualized assessment may be necessary.
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