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Freight Train Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Forward Air

Freight Handler - Early Shift

Des Plaines, IL · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

Pick, pack, and prepare items for shipping and delivery. * Assist drivers with loading and ... Train, mentor, and support the development of other Material Handlers. * All other duties as ...

Ryder

CDL A Truck Driver - Dedicated Freight

Gilberts, IL · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Ryder will Train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - High End Appliances EXTRA PERKS: Our Drivers tell us Carrier Transparency is top priority. Don't spend time applying ...

Ryder

CDL A Truck Driver - Dedicated Freight

Gilberts, IL · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Ryder will Train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - High End Appliances EXTRA PERKS: Our Drivers tell us Carrier Transparency is top priority. Don't spend time applying ...

Ryder

CDL A Truck Driver - Dedicated Freight

Gilberts, IL · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Ryder will Train you on all equipment needed to be successful * Freight: Touch - High End Appliances EXTRA PERKS: Our Drivers tell us Carrier Transparency is top priority. Don't spend time applying ...

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All JobsFreight Train Driver JobsFreight Train Driver Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freight Train Driver information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$15

$31

$71

How much do freight train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for freight train driver in Chicago, IL is $31.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $28.99 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 the employer. Salaries can increase with seniority, additional certifications, and working overtime or night 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 as a freight train driver?

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.

How hard is it to become a freight train driver?

Becoming a freight train driver typically requires completing a training program, obtaining a commercial driver's license with a freight endorsement, and gaining experience operating trains. Candidates must also pass medical and background checks, and often need to demonstrate strong attention to safety and operational procedures. The process can take several months to a year depending on training programs and experience requirements.

What is a freight train driver?

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.

What qualifications do you need to drive a freight train?

To become a freight train driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid commercial driver's license (CDL) with a passenger and 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 essential.
What are popular job titles related to Freight Train Driver jobs in Chicago, IL? For Freight Train Driver jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freight Train Driver jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Freight Train Driver jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Freight Train Driver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freight Train Driver job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,059 per year, or $31.8 per hour.

Freight Train Conductor - Bedford Park, IL

Paducah & Louisville Railway

Chicago, IL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 28 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).