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Railroad Conductor Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

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Railroad Conductor information

See Delaware salary details

$12

$24

$32

How much do railroad conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad conductor in Delaware is $24.39, 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 railroad conductor?

Getting hired as a railroad conductor can be competitive and typically requires relevant experience, a clean background check, and passing a physical exam. Employers often look for strong communication skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work irregular hours in a team environment.

Is being a railroad conductor worth it?

Railroad conductors play a key role in coordinating train operations, ensuring safety, and managing crew communication. The job often requires working irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and involves safety training and certifications. Compensation varies by experience and location but can offer stable employment with benefits.

What does a railroad conductor do?

As a railroad conductor, your job is to direct train and passenger activities, coordinate vehicle movement, and ensure everything runs on schedule. You may need to lead passengers on and off the train, ensure all freight is attached, oversee the loading and unloading of baggage, and handle any special cargo needs. Railroad conductors often work closely with yardmasters to ensure the entire train network continues to function safely and to oversee the jobs of the rest of the crew. Railroad conductors should not be confused with locomotive engineers, who operate the train under the conductor's guidance. Railroad conductors must be able to work irregular hours as well as on nights, holidays, and weekends.

What qualifications do you need for a railroad conductor?

Railroad conductors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, along with on-the-job training provided by the employer. They must have good communication skills, the ability to work in a team, and often need to pass background checks and drug tests; some positions may require certification or licensing depending on the region.

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

To thrive as a Railroad Conductor, you need knowledge of train operations, safety regulations, and communication protocols, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with handheld communication devices, train control systems, and safety equipment is essential for daily responsibilities. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help conductors manage schedules and respond to emergencies. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring safe, efficient, and timely train operations.

What is a railroad conductor?

Railroad conductors are responsible for overseeing train operations, managing crew members, and ensuring the safe and timely transport of passengers or freight. They coordinate train movements, communicate with engineers and dispatchers, and check tickets or cargo documentation. Conductors also handle emergencies, enforce safety protocols, and may assist with loading and unloading cargo or passengers. Their role is vital to the smooth and secure operation of trains.

What is the difference between Railroad Conductor vs Train Engineer?

AspectRailroad ConductorTrain Engineer
CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety training, certificationsHigh school diploma, technical training, certifications
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, switching yards, stationsLocomotive cab, train yard, tracks
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight and passenger servicesRailroads, freight and passenger services
Primary ResponsibilitiesManaging train operations, safety, customer serviceOperating the locomotive, controlling speed and movement

While both Railroad Conductors and Train Engineers work in the rail industry, Conductors focus on managing train operations and safety onboard, whereas Train Engineers operate the locomotive itself. Both roles require safety certifications and industry experience, but their daily tasks differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by railroad conductors during their shifts?

Railroad conductors often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, coordinating with multiple crew members, and ensuring compliance with strict safety regulations. They must stay alert to changing track conditions, communicate effectively with engineers and dispatchers, and handle unexpected delays or emergencies. Adaptability, strong organizational skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential for overcoming these challenges and ensuring safe, efficient train operations.
More about Railroad Conductor jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Railroad Conductor jobs in DE? For Railroad Conductor jobs in DE, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Railroad Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Conductor job openings in Delaware as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,726 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Locomotive Engineer

CARLOAD EXPRESS INC

Harrington, DE

Full-time

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

General Summary:

The Locomotive Engineer is responsible for driving diesel-electric locomotives to transport freight. Interpret train orders, electronic or manual signals, and railroad rules and regulations.

General Duties:

  • Confers with conductor or dispatcher by radio to give or receive information and to give instructions concerning stops, delays or oncoming trains

  • Notifies proper authorities and prepares reports to explain accidents, unscheduled stops or delays

  • Responsible for the safe and efficient operation of locomotives and cars

  • Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs

  • Receives train consist which provides the physical make-up of train and includes weights, lengths, location of loads and empties, and cars requiring special handling

  • Applies knowledge of territory, including terrain, grades, curves, and grade crossings, in order to give prescribed warning signals and to otherwise operate the train in a safe manner

  • Observes track to detect obstructions and to anticipate operating concerns as required by federal or company rules

  • Ensure compliance with all train orders, signals, and railroad rules and regulations for safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)Inspects locomotive for operational readiness by making FRA and Company required checks and tests

  • Diagnose minor malfunctions and performs minor maintenance and servicing activities when maintenance personnel are unavailable

  • This position may be required to work periodically as Conductor, coupling and uncoupling cars, operating track switches, and other duties associated with the movements of trains, cars and engines

    • Receives information and acts upon oral and written from dispatcher, customer service, and others specifying the switch activity, placement or delivery of railroad cars and/or train

    • Safely conducts the movement or rail cars and train movements

    • Climb on and off equipment, set or release hand brakes, couple and uncouple air hoses between rail cars, remove and replace broken knuckles (80lb railcar connector), ride moving cars by hanging on grab irons, or ladders

    • Observe, interpret and relay hand, lantern, and other signals affecting the movement of the train, judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars and distinguish among colors and see at night

    • Receives and relays information and acts upon oral and written from dispatcher, customer service, and others specifying the switch activity, placement or delivery of railroad cars and/or train

    • Reads and understands the book of rules, timetables, bulletins, train orders, waybills, placards, safety instructions and other written or printed material

    • Prepares required daily reports; switch lists manually or with a computer; fills out forms including train orders

    • Properly operate track switches and derails to change routing of engines or cars within yards or on the road

    • Make decisions about switching, placement of cars and building of trains

    • Monitor track conditions (e.g. broken rails, defective switches, weather-related problems)

    • Inspect cars in conformance with Federal Railroad Administration Regulations. Observe the condition of passing trains

  • Assist with other projects and perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

  • 18 years of age or older

  • High School Diploma or equivalent

  • Certified Conductor / Certified Engineer

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

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Must be able to read and comprehend written safety rules, procedure and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions, memos and other work-related information

  • Must be able to work varying shift schedules, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including nights, holidays and weekends

  • Must be able to pass training and required testing

Behavioral Expectations:

  • Comply with train orders, train signals, radio communications and railroad rules and regulations to operate the locomotive in an efficient and safe manner

  • Must be able to report to work safely with two-hour notice

  • Comply with company and federal safety rules, policies and procedures to include wearing required safety equipment, responding to safety concerns and taking appropriate action

  • Must be able to solve problems quickly and react to changing conditions on the job.

Physical Requirements:

  • Must be able to stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, crawl, balance, climb and work in confined areas

  • Must meet all physical requirements as described in the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Regulations, including auditory and vision

  • Must be able to handle medium to heavy work; ability to lift a minimum of 50 to 80 pounds to waist height

  • Able to use hands to perform activities involving holding, grasping, turning and pulling

  • Able to perform work on uneven surfaces; frequently climb ladders and on/off equipment; work on top of locomotives and other equipment

  • Able to work in conditions that include loud noise and fumes, work on and around heavy and moving machinery, bend, lift, walk, stand and sit for extended periods of time and use hand tools

  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain

  • Must have strong vision and hearing, including the ability to: see and read hand signals from near and far; distinguish between colors; visually judge the speed and distance of moving objects; see at night; and recognize changes in sounds.

Work Environment:

  • Extreme all-weather conditions; uneven surfaces; safety sensitive work environment

  • Able to complete strenuous work outdoors in all weather conditions: (hot, cold, rain, snow, and sleet)

  • Able to work in conditions that include loud noise and fumes

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