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Locomotive Engineer Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol * Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew ...

Engineer/Conductor

Bay City, MI · On-site

$36.59/hr

... locomotives when making up trains • Assist with other projects and perform other duties as ... Fully qualified engineers/conductors will start at $36.59/hour. This position is employed by the ...

Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol * Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew ...

Communicate with Locomotive Engineer and other parties in the yard using proper hand signals and/or radio communication protocol * Conduct the movement of rail cars and train movements; signal crew ...

Engineer/Conductor

Bay City, MI · On-site

$36.59/hr

... locomotives when making up trains · Assist with other projects and perform other duties as ... Fully qualified engineers/conductors will start at $36.59/hour. This position is employed by the ...

Conductor

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Previous experience as a Locomotive Engineer and/or Conductor is preferred. * Previous experience ... in a heavy industrial environment is preferred. Note: This description is not intended to limit the ...

Conductor

Ferndale, WA · On-site

$30 - $34/hr

Previous experience as a Locomotive Engineer and/or Conductor is preferred. * Previous experience ... in a heavy industrial environment is preferred. Note: This description is not intended to limit the ...

Conductor/Engineer - Rupert, ID Job Location: Rupert, ID Depot-Rupert-83350 Office Location: Onsite ... locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations. • Observes arm or lantern signal ...

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Locomotive Engineer Conductor information

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How much do locomotive engineer conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for locomotive engineer conductor in the United States is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $27.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Locomotive Engineer Conductor vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectLocomotive Engineer Conductor
CredentialsCommercial driver's license, safety certifications, train operation training
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, rail yards, depots
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger services
Primary RoleOperate and manage train movement, ensure safety

Train Dispatchers coordinate train movements from a central control center, focusing on scheduling and routing, whereas Locomotive Engineer Conductors operate trains and oversee onboard safety. Both roles are essential in rail operations but differ in location, responsibilities, and required certifications.

What are Locomotive Engineer Conductors?

Locomotive Engineer Conductors are train crew members responsible for operating and managing trains. They ensure the safe movement of trains by following schedules, signals, and regulations, and may also oversee the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers. Their duties typically include communicating with dispatchers, inspecting equipment, and monitoring train systems for any issues. This role requires adherence to safety protocols, attention to detail, and often involves working irregular hours. Training, certification, and knowledge of railway operations are essential for this position.

What engineers make $500,000?

Locomotive engineers and conductors typically do not earn $500,000 annually; their salaries usually range from $60,000 to $120,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. High earnings in transportation roles are rare and often involve senior management or specialized positions rather than frontline engineers or conductors.

Who gets paid more, conductor or engineer?

In the railroad industry, locomotive engineers typically earn higher salaries than conductors due to their specialized technical skills and responsibilities for operating trains. Conductors usually earn less but may have more customer-facing duties and scheduling flexibility. Salary differences can vary based on experience, location, and union agreements.

How much do train conductor engineers make?

Train conductor engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the employer. They often work in shifts and require certification and safety training to operate trains and ensure passenger and freight safety.

Is a locomotive engineer the same as a conductor?

A locomotive engineer, also known as a train operator, is responsible for operating the train and controlling its movement, while a conductor oversees the train's operations, manages crew and passenger safety, and handles paperwork. Both roles are essential for train operations but have distinct responsibilities and require different skills and certifications.

What are the main challenges a Locomotive Engineer Conductor faces when managing both train operations and crew coordination?

Locomotive Engineer Conductors often juggle the dual responsibilities of safely operating the locomotive and ensuring smooth communication with the crew. Common challenges include adapting to changing schedules, maintaining strict adherence to safety protocols, and responding to unexpected track or weather conditions. Effective time management and clear, concise communication are essential, as the conductor must coordinate with dispatchers, yardmasters, and other crew members to keep train movements efficient and safe. Building experience in these areas can lead to greater autonomy and opportunities for advancement within the railroad industry.

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

To thrive as a Locomotive Engineer Conductor, you need strong mechanical aptitude, knowledge of railway operations, and usually a high school diploma or equivalent, along with completion of a formal training program. Familiarity with train control systems, braking technology, and regulatory compliance platforms is essential, and certification from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, situational awareness, and effective communication skills help ensure safety and smooth coordination with crew members. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining operational safety, preventing accidents, and efficiently transporting freight or passengers.
More about Locomotive Engineer Conductor jobs
Dual Certified Conductor / Locomotive Engineer - Linden, NJ

Dual Certified Conductor / Locomotive Engineer - Linden, NJ

Watco

Linden, NJ

$30/hr

Full-time, Other

Posted 7 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

240th of 340 rated logistics


Job description

Start a Watco Career and Discover the Difference

Keep the world's supply chain moving. That's what the Watco team does every day at our short line railroads, switching sites, terminals, ports, and logistics hubs. Whether you're at one of these locations or in a support-services role, there's one thread that ties everyone together. We're all or the same team. One Watco.
Here's what you can expect from Watco:

• Outstanding culture recognized by Forbes and Newsweek
• Competitive compensation and benefits
• Paid on-the-job training with peer trainers
• Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center
• Leadership and development programs offered through Watco University
• Career advancement opportunities

Salary Range:

$25.00 per hour (No Experience)

$27.00 per hour (Certified Conductor)

$30.00 per hour (Daul Certified Conductor / Engineer)

Schedule: 12 hour shifs rotating day and night shift every 2 weeks (8:30 AM- 8:30 PM, or 8:30 PM- 8:30 AM). It is a 2,2,3 Dupont schedule rotation


Must be able to obtain a valid TWIC card prior to employment for this position. This position does not offer Railroad Retirment.

Job Summary

The conductor/engineer position will control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance
• Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule
• Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
• Reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations
• Observes arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control; such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive
• Reads and interprets wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule
• Receives oral or written instructions from Manager or Customer indicating which cars are to be switched
• Notifies engineer of switching orders and, whereby, which cars are to be moved to specified locations of yard, using radio, telephone, verbal or hand signals
• Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information
• Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains
• Gives instructions to throw track switches and to couple and uncouple cars
• May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations
• Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions
• Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment
• Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched
• May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower
• Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars
• Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio
• Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force
• May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains
• Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members
• May make minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs
• May talk to Engineer via radio to give or receive switching information
• Performs other duties as requested or required

Qualifications

Ability to pass training and required testing
TWIC Card 

Education
High School or GED equivalent

What Watco employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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