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Freight Conductor Jobs in Atlanta, GA (NOW HIRING)

SVCC

Train Conductor

Mcdonough, GA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a Train Conductor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the secure and efficientmovement of freight trains. This dynamic position encompasses a range of responsibilities,including coupling ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Fairburn, GA · On-site

$24/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 on the ground, safely operating rail equipment in our ...

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Freight Conductor information

See Atlanta, GA salary details

$26

$31

$35

How much do freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight conductor in Atlanta, GA is $31.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.38 and $33.99 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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For Freight Conductor jobs in Atlanta, GA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Freight Conductor jobs in Atlanta, GA are:

Freight Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Conductor job openings in Atlanta, GA 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 $65,950 per year, or $31.7 per hour.

Train Conductor

SVCC

Mcdonough, GA • On-site

$80 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Norfolk Southern (NS) invites dedicated individuals to join our team as Train Conductors.As a Train Conductor, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the secure and efficientmovement of freight trains. This dynamic position encompasses a range of responsibilities,including coupling railcars to construct trains, delivering railcars to local customers,and transporting trains over extended distances. The conductor position can oftenmean a significant lifestyle change as the work schedule is often non-traditionaland requires many to be available to work on a 90-minute notice.

Responsibilities
  • Prioritize safety to ensure the safe transport of freight.
  • Safely connect and disconnect railcars to assemble and disassemble trains as per the designated configuration.
  • Deliver railcars to local customers, ensuring safe, timely, and precise service.
  • Safely transport trains over long distances.
  • Maintain clear communication with other crew members, dispatchers, and relevant personnel to coordinate activities and respond to instructions.
  • Adhere to a non-traditional work schedule with availability on short notice.
Compensation
  • Conductor Trainees (CT) during training: $25 per hour with a minimum of $200 per shift.
  • After training, Conductors earn an average of $75,000 in the first year.
  • Experienced Conductors average $85,000 per year.
  • Promotion opportunities to Locomotive Engineer based on location needs and seniority.
  • Locomotive Engineers have a minimum guarantee of approximately $94,000, with the potential to earn $100,000+.
Training
  • Comprehensive 4–7-month training program including Classroom and On-The-Job (OJT)Training.
  • CT’s are required to successfully complete training and qualify for a Conductors License.
  • First 5 weeks of employment at NS Training Center in McDonough, GA.

Individuals are responsible for providing their own transportation to the area. NorfolkSouthern will provide the hotel accommodation, a mileage reimbursement, and a mealstipend during the 5-week training period in McDonough, GA. The remaining trainingwill take place at or near the hire location for on-the-job training.

Work Schedule

Irregular schedules determined by business needs. Many jobs are on-call 24/7 with a 90-minute notice when not on a scheduled off day. Minimum two rest days for every six consecutive working days. Routine time away from home, 1-2 days at a time. A CT will expect to work a schedule similar to that of a regular conductor. As a conductoryou will most likely be assigned to a conductors' extra board. Conductor extra boardshave schedules with a minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days. While not on your rest days, you are subject to be called to work 24 hours a day, on an as-needed basis. Extra board work schedules are irregular and are determined by business needs. You will be required to report to your work location within a 90-minute notice regardless of time of day. Reliable transportation is necessary.

Benefits
  • Medical insurance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents is provided on thefirst day of the second calendar month of employment.
  • After one year of employment,you are eligible for dental insurance to cover yourself and eligible dependents, a$20,000 life insurance plan for yourself, and participation in the Norfolk Southern401(K) plan.
  • You are subject to Railroad Retirement taxes paid at a rate equivalentto Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%.
  • You are also covered by Railroad Retirementbenefits and, following completion of the service requirement, you will be eligiblefor Railroad Retirement benefits.
  • Conductors can also qualify for up to 5 weeks ofpaid time off based on their work record and seniority.
  • Additional information onbenefits can be found at YourTrackToHealth.com.
Union Membership

You will be required to join a union within 60 days of becoming a conductor and establishing a seniority date.

Work Environment

A conductor should expect to work outdoors in all types ofweather conditions. Thismay mean working in poor weather conditions day or night.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Conductors are subject to random alcohol and drug testing as per the Federal RailroadAdministration Guidelines. The Norfolk Southern Policy is ZERO TOLERANCE. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

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