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Rail Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Seasonal Conductor WMSR

Lincoln, NH · On-site

$22.25 - $29.25/hr

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Conductor ... To always ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for ...

Be Seen First

... valid Conductor/Engineer Certification under CFR 240/242. Candidate must reside within two (2) ... Performs duties associated with the movement of rail cars: operate track switches, couple and ...

Be Seen First

... valid Conductor/Engineer Certification under CFR 240/242. Candidate must reside within two (2) ... Performs duties associated with the movement of rail cars: operate track switches, couple and ...

Conductor

Harrington, DE

$21.50 - $28/hr

The Conductor is responsible for coordinating the activities of train crew on freight trains and is ... Conducts the movement or rail cars and train movements * Climb on and off equipment, set or release ...

Conductor

Brackettville, TX · On-site

$20 - $24/hr

Harbor Rail Services has been in the railroad business for 35 years, operating 50 locations ... POSITION: Conductor REPORTS TO: Location Supervisor/Manager of Locations JOB TYPE: Full-Time ...

Train Conductor

Decatur, IL · On-site

$84K/yr

Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes ... No prior railroad experience is required--we provide all the training you need to succeed. What You ...

Train Conductor

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$84K/yr

Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes ... No prior railroad experience is required--we provide all the training you need to succeed. What You ...

Conductor

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

$21.75 - $28.50/hr

Must be Certified as a Train Conductor (CFR Title 49, Part 242) OR three (3) or more years operational railroad experience*** Your Purpose: As an essential member of the Transportation Team, you will ...

Railroad Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$17 - $18/hr

Job Summary The Conductor and Engineer are responsible for the movement of rail equipment to ensure the accurate placement of rail cars that will facilitate the loading and unloading of trains in the ...

Conductor

Hartford, CT · On-site

$35.32/hr

Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc ... As a Conductor, you'll play a key role in moving freight safely and efficiently to customers. We ...

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Rail Conductor information

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$12

$24

$32

How much do rail conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for rail conductor in the United States is $24.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.63 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired as a train conductor?

Getting hired as a train conductor can be competitive and typically requires meeting age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs. Candidates often need good communication skills, the ability to work irregular hours, and sometimes prior experience in transportation or customer service.

What are some common challenges a Rail Conductor faces during their shifts?

Rail Conductors often encounter challenges such as adapting to irregular work hours, dealing with unexpected delays due to weather or track issues, and ensuring passenger or cargo safety under strict regulations. They must also communicate effectively with engineers, dispatchers, and other crew members to coordinate train movements smoothly. Additionally, conductors need to remain calm under pressure and be prepared to respond quickly to emergencies or operational changes.

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

To excel as a Rail Conductor, you need a solid understanding of railway operations, safety regulations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with railroad signaling systems, handheld communication devices, and, in some regions, completion of conductor certification programs is important. Strong communication, situational awareness, and decision-making skills help conductors manage train crews and respond to emergencies effectively. These abilities are critical for ensuring safe, efficient rail operations and maintaining compliance with strict industry standards.

What are rail conductors?

Rail conductors are railway employees responsible for the safe operation and management of trains. They oversee train crews, coordinate with engineers, ensure passenger safety, and handle cargo documentation on freight trains. Conductors also communicate with dispatchers and other train staff to keep trains running on schedule and resolve any issues that arise during transit. Their role is essential for both passenger and freight rail services, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

How much does a railway conductor make?

Railway conductors typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $100,000 depending on experience, location, and the employer. They are responsible for coordinating train operations, ensuring safety, and communicating with crew and passengers, often working irregular hours and requiring certification or training.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Rail conductors typically do not earn $300,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with executive roles, specialized medical professionals, or high-level corporate positions. Some highly experienced professionals in certain industries or those with ownership stakes can reach this income level, but it is uncommon for rail conductors. Most rail conductors earn a median salary significantly below this threshold, with higher earnings possible through seniority, overtime, or supervisory roles.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Rail conductors typically do not earn $2000 a day; their salaries are usually much lower. High-paying jobs that can reach this level often include specialized roles such as certain executive positions, highly experienced surgeons, or successful entrepreneurs, but these are not common and usually require significant experience, skills, or ownership. Most jobs with daily earnings of $2000 or more involve high risk, specialized skills, or significant responsibility.

What is the difference between Rail Conductor vs Train Dispatcher?

AspectRail ConductorTrain Dispatcher
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, communication skills
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, rail yardsDispatch offices, control centers
Industry UsagePassenger and freight trainsTrain routing and scheduling

Rail Conductors are responsible for onboard safety, passenger service, and train operations, working directly on trains and in rail yards. Train Dispatchers coordinate train movements from control centers, ensuring safety and efficiency in scheduling. While both roles are vital in rail operations, Rail Conductors focus on train execution, whereas Train Dispatchers manage overall traffic flow and routing.

More about Rail Conductor jobs
What cities are hiring for Rail Conductor jobs? Cities with the most Rail Conductor job openings:
What states have the most Rail Conductor jobs? States with the most job openings for Rail Conductor jobs include:
Seasonal Conductor WMSR

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Patriot Rail rating

4.3

Company rating: 4.3 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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.”