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Railroad Conductor Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI · On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Conductor - Janesville, WI Job Location: Janesville-WI Depot-53548 Office Location: Onsite ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Watco

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Janesville, WI

$22.25 - $29/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of ...

Watco

Conductor - Horicon, WI

Horicon, WI · On-site

$27/hr

... 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. The Conductor is a manual labor ...

Watco

Conductor - Horicon, WI

Horicon, WI · On-site

$27/hr

... 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. The Conductor is a manual labor ...

Canadian Pacific Railway

Road Trainmaster

La Crosse, WI · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Previous railway experience as a conductor, required. Locomotive engineer qualification is an asset * Valid driver's license * 2+ years' previous supervisory experience in logistics or an operational ...

Watco

Locomotive Mechanic - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI · On-site

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... of railroad rolling stock • Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report • Basic ...

Watco

Track Laborer - Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$25/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. This is a ...

Watco

Track Laborer - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI · On-site

$19 - $24.50/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. This is a ...

Watco

Track Laborer - Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$25/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. This is a ...

Watco

Track Laborer - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI · On-site

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... railroad track infrastructure to ensure safe and efficient service for our customers. This is a ...

Watco

Locomotive Mechanic - Wausau, WI

Wausau, WI · On-site

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... of railroad rolling stock • Inspect wheels according to wheel inspection report • Basic ...

Didion Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cambria, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform conductor/grounds duties in the rail yard. * Keep equipment clean, maintained, and ready to roll. * Use tech tools to track schedules and maintenance. * Stay sharp on food safety and ...

Didion

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cambria, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform conductor/grounds duties in the rail yard. * Keep equipment clean, maintained, and ready to roll. * Use tech tools to track schedules and maintenance. * Stay sharp on food safety and ...

Didion, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cambria, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform conductor/grounds duties in the rail yard. * Keep equipment clean, maintained, and ready to roll. * Use tech tools to track schedules and maintenance. * Stay sharp on food safety and ...

Didion

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cambria, WI

$25 - $30/hr

Perform conductor/grounds duties in the rail yard. * Keep equipment clean, maintained, and ready to roll. * Use tech tools to track schedules and maintenance. * Stay sharp on food safety and ...

Didion, Inc.

Heavy Equipment Operator

Cambria, WI · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

Perform conductor/grounds duties in the rail yard. * Keep equipment clean, maintained, and ready to roll. * Use tech tools to track schedules and maintenance. * Stay sharp on food safety and ...

Watco Transloading

WI · On-site

$75 - $110/hr

Training for conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco'sSafe Performance ... The Locomotive Supervisor must teach, apply and monitor Federal Railroad Administration, State ...

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Railroad Conductor information

See Wisconsin salary details

$12

$24

$32

How much do railroad conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad conductor in Wisconsin is $24.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $28.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.

How many hours a day does a railroad conductor work?

Railroad conductors typically work 10 to 12 hours per day, often including overnight shifts and weekends, due to the nature of train schedules. They may work irregular hours and be on call for emergencies or delays, requiring flexibility and alertness during their shifts.

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.

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. Some positions may require a commercial driver's license or certification, and strong communication, problem-solving, and safety skills are essential for the role.
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Railroad Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Railroad Conductor job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $51,156 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

Conductor - Janesville, WI

Watco

Janesville, WI • On-site

$21.50 - $28/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Watco rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 56 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

305th of 365 rated logistics

Job description

Conductor - Janesville, WI
Job Location: Janesville-WI Depot-53548
Office Location: Onsite
Employment Type: Hourly
Job Type: Full Time
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 on 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
Job Summary
The conductor/switchman 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
• A Conductor must 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
• The Conductor reads switching orders from designated person
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of train crews
• The Conductor 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, 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 to apply and release handbrakes
• Observes track to detect obstructions
• The Conductor 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, or lanterns 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
• Talk to Dispatcher via radio to give or receive switching information
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Must be able to pass and or obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
Education
High School or GED equivalent

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