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Freight Conductor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

BNSF

Conductor Trainee- Elwood, IL

Elwood, IL · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

S. railroads transporting the nation's freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces ... Conductor trainees are integral to this department, learning to manage train operations, ensure ...

All JobsFreight Conductor JobsFreight Conductor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freight Conductor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28

$33

$38

How much do freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight conductor in Chicago, IL is $33.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.49 and $36.44 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 Chicago, IL? For Freight Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freight Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freight Conductor jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freight Conductor job openings:
Freight Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Conductor job openings in Chicago, IL 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 $70,703 per year, or $34 per hour.

Freight Train Conductor - Bedford Park, IL

Paducah & Louisville Railway

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Salary: $38.19 Hour

Midway Southern Railway, Inc. (part of P&L Transportation, Inc.) is looking for Freight Train Conductors in Bedford Park, IL.


The conductor is responsible for the safe and efficient administration of the train operations and handling of customer freight in accordance with FRA, AAR, and Company rules, policies and regulations. All necessary safety procedures, guidelines and policies must be adhered to in the performance of the tasks assigned to this position as set forth below.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Understand and adhere to operating rules, safety rules, policies, procedures and regulations and ensure train crews compliance with all train orders, signals, rules and regulations and for safe train operations.
  • Perform railcar switching by combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains by switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic while directing engineer to move cars to fit planned train configurations.
  • Receive and comprehend instructions, bulletins, work orders, and switch lists from dispatchers and Trainmaster, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew to ensure all understand the immediate job task.
  • Complete paperwork of car movements and keep records of the contents and destination of each train car to ensure cars are added/removed at proper points on route in accordance with customers instructions and for proper billing.
  • Observe, understand, and act upon the indications of color light signals and signs.
  • Communicate with engineer, dispatcher, and other workers using telecommunications equipment/radios and hand signals.
  • Inspect the condition of trains and equipment including making repairs such as changing knuckles and air brake hoses.


Job Requirements - Context and Environment:

  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.
  • SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION Extreme consequence of error to worker and public.
  • Exposure to hazardous equipment.
  • Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in FRA regulations.
  • Governed by a collective bargaining agreement with membership required which determines specific job duties, work assignments, and work locations.
  • Regular and timely attendance at work.
  • Work hours are irregular and will vary in length and schedule. Work hours will include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and shiftwork including nights and weekends usually exceeding 40 hours per week.
  • Required to report to work safely on as close to two-hour notice as possible. Will include nights and weekends.
  • Requires a valid drivers license.
  • >95% travel required.
  • Wearing Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Frequent lifting work up to 50 pounds and 85 pounds occasionally.
  • Walking long distances over uneven terrain and on elevated surfaces and slopes.
  • Ascends and descends steps and ladders to get on and off equipment.
  • Working under Time Pressure to meet strict deadlines.
  • Working outdoors (Exposed to all Weather conditions). Exposed to heat and cold including extreme heat and cold, both natural and man-made and with equipment that intensifies the heat factor. They are required to work in a variety of weather conditions at all times of the day or night
  • Exposed to Sounds and elevated Noise Levels (Are Distracting or Uncomfortable


Education/Training/Certification:High school diploma or general education degree (GED).