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Hobo Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Conductor WMSR

Lincoln, NH

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

SUMMARY OF POSITION The primary function of the Conductor is to maintain responsibility over the physical operation and safety of the locomotive. All train crew employees are responsible for strict ...

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Hobo information

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How much do hobo jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for hobo in the United States is $18.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $20.19 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hobo, and why are they important?

The term 'Hobo' historically refers to itinerant workers who traveled in search of temporary employment, often relying on resourcefulness, adaptability, and manual labor skills. While not a formal occupation today, thriving in such a lifestyle would require knowledge of safe travel methods, survival skills, and sometimes the use of basic tools. Strong interpersonal skills, resilience, and the ability to quickly build trust with strangers would stand out in this context. These abilities were crucial for navigating uncertain environments, finding work, and ensuring personal safety.

What are hobos?

Hobos are individuals who travel from place to place, often by hopping freight trains, in search of temporary work. The term originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, and hobos were known for their migratory lifestyle and willingness to work odd jobs to support themselves. Unlike tramps, who typically avoid work, and bums, who do not travel, hobos pride themselves on their resourcefulness and adaptability. The culture of hobos includes unique slang, symbols, and traditions that developed during the Great Depression and earlier. Today, the traditional hobo lifestyle is rare, but the concept remains a part of American folklore and history.

What is the difference between Hobo vs Day Laborer?

AspectHoboDay Laborer
CredentialsNo formal credentials requiredNo formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentTraveling, informal work settingsConstruction sites, manual labor jobs
Industry UsageHistorically associated with transient, informal workFormal employment in construction, landscaping, etc.
Search IntentHistorical, lifestyle, informal workTemporary, daily work opportunities

Hobos are historically known for traveling and seeking informal, often unregulated work, whereas day laborers typically work in specific industries like construction or landscaping on a daily basis. While both roles involve manual labor, hobos are more associated with transient lifestyles, and day laborers work in more structured environments.

What does the slang hobo mean?

In the context of the job title, a hobo is a person who travels, often by freight train or on foot, seeking temporary or seasonal work, typically in manual labor or low-wage jobs. Historically, hobos were known for their itinerant lifestyle during the early 20th century, often living outdoors and relying on transient employment opportunities.

Is hobo the same as homeless?

A hobo is a person who travels, often by freight train, seeking work or better living conditions, whereas homeless refers to individuals without stable housing. Not all homeless people are hobos, and not all hobos are necessarily homeless, but both groups face housing insecurity. The term 'hobo' specifically relates to a lifestyle of mobility and work-seeking, not just lack of shelter.
More about Hobo jobs
Infographic showing various Hobo job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 20% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 40% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,707 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

SUMMARY OF POSITION

The primary function of the Conductor is to maintain responsibility over the physical operation and safety of the locomotive. All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conductor:

  • To always ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA);
  • To always review instructions from dispatchers and yardmasters, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew;
  • To always inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures;
  • To accurately receive and transmit information by radio and telephone;
  • To accurately read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists;
  • To safely assist and instruct train crews to couple and uncouple cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses;
  • To safely and professionally work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars;
  • To always safely maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety;
  • To comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems;
  • To safely, quickly, and repeatedly make precise adjustments in moving the controls of a machine or vehicle to exact positions;
  • To accurately and quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to visual symbols, signals and displays (sound, light, picture, etc.);

ESSENTIAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:

18 years of age or older;

Valid Driver's License;

2 years verifiable work experience and/or college; railroad industry experience strongly preferred;

Must pass all required assessments;

Must pass a background screening;

Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol;

No driving violations involving alcohol or drugs within the past 3 years;

Knowledge of and skills in using hand tools, including wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, measuring tapes, etc. and skills in using power tools and hydraulic equipment, including portable grinders, rail saws, spike pullers, track wrench machines, power drills;

Prefer experience reading and comprehending safety manuals, operating and maintenance instructions, test materials, drawings, schematics, and procedure manuals;

Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position;

Position requires flexible work schedule

CORE COMPETENCIES

Verbal Comprehension – Understands oral and written communications (both general and technical).

Communication Skills – Provides clear instructions/directions. Listens and adheres to operations and management guidance.

Reasoning Skills – Demonstrates high level of skill to effectively use his/her problem solving and troubleshooting skills.

Time Management – Values and manages time effectively. Effectively prioritizes, manages, and organizes workload and broad range of activities.

Excellent Interpersonal Skills – Ability to communicate and collaborate with diverse personalities.

Exceptional Organizational Skills – Demonstrates high level of organization.

Resourcefulness – Ability to find innovate ways to overcome obstacles, problems, and unforeseen/challenging situations.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

Locomotive Engineers must meet and maintain the following physical requirements:

Must meet and maintain color vision requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations; and

Must meet and maintain all hearing requirements as described in the FRA Regulations.

The physical nature of the work will vary from day to day based on operational needs; however, the job requires that the incumbent be able to perform the following non-exhaustive list: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, grasping, handling, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion. Employees in this position may work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places. Employees will walk long distances over uneven terrain. Heavy work requires occasional lifting, carrying, frequent pushing and pulling of up to or greater than 80 lbs. A wide range of motion is required for throwing ground and waist-level switches. Outdoor position requiring a tolerance to extreme heat, cold and wet conditions. Employees in this position must be able to work outside in all weather conditions. Perform activities in the proximity of moving equipment. Good auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection, accommodation, field of vision and depth perception to successfully perform duties and for general safety. Color vision is necessary for perceiving signals. Employees must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including but not limited to hearing protection, safety-toe boots, and safety glasses. Must be able to work outside in all weather conditions.

This is a Safety Sensitive Position

Safety is the cornerstone value in our Company. Our employees are expected to live our values on the job in how we work, how we act, and how we create value. Safety is a personal responsibility. We are professionals and our activities must reflect that professionalism. Each team member must demonstrate safety advocacy every day – regardless of their role in the Company. Compliance with safety and operating rules is required and essential to our own safety and that of others.

“The Patriot Way.”

At Patriot, we value our relationships – with our customers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders. We know that safety, integrity, reliability, ethical behavior and exceptional customer service are critical to building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships. Everyone at Patriot – from the mailroom to the boardroom – embraces those values. More importantly, as a team, we make it our business to demonstrate them in everything we do. It’s “The Patriot Way.”