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Freight Train Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train ... Valid Driver's License Job Requirements * Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries

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Freight Train Driver information

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How much do freight train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight train driver in the United States is $30.81, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $28.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do freight train drivers earn?

Freight train drivers typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Experienced drivers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, and many work irregular hours or overnight shifts.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a Freight Train Driver?

Freight Train Drivers often work varied schedules that can include nights, weekends, and holidays, as freight rail operations typically run 24/7. Shifts may be long—sometimes up to 12 hours—and can require being on-call, especially for routes covering significant distances. You’ll work both independently in the locomotive cab and in close coordination with conductors, train dispatchers, and yard crews. This dynamic schedule offers opportunities for overtime but also requires flexibility and a strong commitment to safety. Many rail companies provide structured rest periods and support to help drivers manage work-life balance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Freight Train Driver position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freight Train Driver, you need excellent attention to detail, strong situational awareness, and a valid train driving license or certification, often supported by completion of rigorous training programs. Familiarity with railway signaling systems, onboard control panels, and safety protocols is crucial for operating freight trains safely and efficiently. Dependability, stress management, and effective communication help drivers respond to unexpected issues and coordinate with dispatchers and rail yard personnel. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure safe, timely, and compliant freight transportation across rail networks.

What is a Freight Train Driver job?

A Freight Train Driver operates heavy freight trains, transporting goods and cargo over long distances. They are responsible for ensuring the train runs safely, adhering to schedules and railway regulations. Duties include monitoring instruments, responding to signals, and handling any operational issues. The role requires strong concentration, quick decision-making, and often involves working irregular hours.

Is it hard to become a freight train driver?

Becoming a freight train driver requires completing specialized training, obtaining a commercial driver's license with a freight endorsement, and gaining experience operating trains. The job involves working long hours, adhering to safety protocols, and understanding complex signaling and control systems. It can be challenging due to the technical skills and responsibility involved.

Is 52 too old to become a train driver?

Freight train driver positions typically require a valid commercial driver's license, good health, and the ability to pass safety and skills assessments. Age limits vary by employer and region, but many companies hire experienced individuals into their 50s and beyond, provided they meet health and certification requirements.

What qualifications do you need to be a freight train driver?

To become a freight train driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a freight endorsement, and specialized training or certification in locomotive operation. Experience with train handling, safety procedures, and knowledge of railway signals and regulations are also important qualifications.
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Infographic showing various Freight Train Driver job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,075 per year, or $30.8 per hour.

Railroad Freight Train Conductor - Southeastern Massachusetts

Massachusetts Coastal Railroad LLC

Taunton, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Category
Transportation
Description
The Railroad Freight Conductor is an at-will position governed by the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad (MCRR) Employee Handbook, NORAC, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and any other applicable rules and regulations in effect. All work at Mass Coastal is performed in accordance with FRA, industry, and company standards and guidelines, procedures, and specifications. Mass Coastal offers complete and detailed training for this position, competitive pay, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and advancement. Operating in a safe manner will take place over any other job function. This position reports to the Trainmaster.
Conductor Primary Activities and Responsibilities:
Performs Daily Locomotive Inspections.
Prepares required daily reports; switch lists - manually or with a computer.
Applies knowledge of territory, including terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings, in order to give prescribed warning signals and to otherwise operate the train in a safe manner.
Solid understanding of NORAC, operating practices, safety rules, air brake rules, emergency procedures and equipment troubleshooting.
Acts as a main point of contact to Dispatch and other yard workers to issue and receive information concerning stops, delays, switching, etc.
Reads and interprets wayside signals, bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule.
Provides assistance in maintaining infrastructure at railroad facilities and along tracks.
Ability to cross-train with other departments; may be asked to Flag/RWIC.
Other duties as assigned
Current reporting locations: Onset, MA; Taunton, MA; Hyannis, MA.
Benefits:
Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Life Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
HRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement)
Employee Assistance Program
Earned Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
Railroad Retirement
Additional Information:
All positions require pre-employment background check verification, a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen with random and for-cause screenings after employment begins. Marijuana usage will disqualify you for hire and/or for continued employment.
We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual expression), ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, and any other personal characteristics protected by law.
Position Requirements
Conductor Requirements:
High School Diploma, GED or equivalent
Experience on a railroad is preferred but will train if necessary
Ability to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information. Ability to see railroad colors and see details at a distance.
Possesses excellent listening, oral and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with others at different levels of expertise.
Highly responsible, organized and detailed oriented.
Ability to pass training and required testing.
Ability to think and act quickly in responding to emergency and non-emergency situations. Ability to adhere to all safety rules and regulations to ensure ethe safety of the crew and passengers.
Ability to make independent judgments using sound reasoning skills and knowledge base.
Weekend availability
Work Location: Reporting location varies from Taunton, Hyannis, Wareham and Onset.
Must be able to work in an extremely loud work environment; and in all weather conditions. Must possess physical agility and be able to get on/off train equipment, move between cars, bend, lift, stretch, reach and safely ride the side of the train.
Applicant must be currently authorized to work permanently in the United States and be able to read and clearly communicate in English.
Driver's License (Required)
Must pass DOT Physical and Audio and Visual Exam
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
City
Onset/Taunton/Hyannis/Wareham
State
MA
Position
Railroad Freight Train Conductor
Division
MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL RAILROAD LLC
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Open Date
6/16/2026
This position is currently accepting applications.