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Freight Train Driver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CSX Corporation

Freight Conductor - Hinton, WV

Hinton, WV · On-site

$2.9K/wk

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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$30

$69

How much do freight train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 23, 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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Freight Train Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Train Driver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 66% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,075 per year, or $30.8 per hour.
Freight Train Conductor - Bedford Park, IL

Freight Train Conductor - Bedford Park, IL

Paducah & Louisville Railway

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 8 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).