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Railroad Freight Conductor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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... valid Conductor/Engineer Certification under CFR 240/242. Candidate must reside within two (2) ... rail cars: operate track switches, couple and uncouple cars, works on freight trains in yard and ...

Freight Conductor A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews ... Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA ...

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A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train ... Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA ...

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Railroad Freight Conductor information

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$27

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How much do railroad freight conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for railroad freight conductor in the United States is $32.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.53 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a railroad freight conductor?

A Railroad Freight Conductor is responsible for coordinating train operations, ensuring cargo is transported safely and on schedule. Duties include communicating with engineers, monitoring track signals, performing inspections, and managing train movements. Conductors also follow railroad regulations and safety protocols to prevent accidents or delays. This role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and strong communication skills.

What does a railroad freight conductor do?

A typical workday for a Railroad Freight Conductor involves coordinating train movements, inspecting cars, managing cargo documentation, and communicating with engineers and yard workers to ensure safe operations. Conductors often work irregular hours or shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of freight transportation. The work environment includes both indoor office settings and outdoor rail yards, where safety protocols must be followed closely. Teamwork and clear communication are key, as conductors regularly collaborate with locomotive engineers and dispatchers to keep freight moving efficiently.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a railroad freight conductor?

To excel as a Railroad Freight Conductor, you need strong situational awareness, knowledge of rail operations, and typically a high school diploma, with on-the-job training or certification in railroad safety. Familiarity with radio communication systems, handheld electronic devices, and operating rules manuals is crucial. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are important soft skills for this position. These abilities ensure safe, efficient movement of freight and compliance with federal regulations, minimizing risks and operational delays.

How do I become a railroad freight conductor?

To become a railroad freight conductor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training provided by the railroad company. Some positions require a valid driver's license and the ability to work irregular hours, including nights and weekends. Certification in safety procedures and knowledge of railroad operations are also important for this role.
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Infographic showing various Railroad Freight Conductor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $68,580 per year, or $33 per hour.

Railroad Freight Train Conductor - Southeastern Massachusetts

MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL RAILROAD LLC

Taunton, MA

$25 - $33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

The Railroad Freight Conductor is an at-will position governed by the Massachusetts Coastal Railroad (MCRR) Employee Handbook, NORAC, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and any other applicable rules and regulations in effect. All work at Mass Coastal is performed in accordance with FRA, industry, and company standards and guidelines, procedures, and specifications. Mass Coastal offers complete and detailed training for this position, competitive pay, as well as the opportunity for professional growth and advancement.

Operating in a safe manner will take place over any other job function. This position reports to the Trainmaster. Conductor Primary Activities and Responsibilities: Performs Daily Locomotive Inspections.Prepares required daily reports; switch lists manually or with a computer.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.Solid understanding of NORAC, operating practices, safety rules, air brake rules, emergency procedures and equipment troubleshooting.Acts as a main point of contact to Dispatch and other yard workers to issue and receive information concerning stops, delays, switching, etc.Reads and interprets wayside signals, bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule.Provides assistance in maintaining infrastructure at railroad facilities and along tracks.Ability to cross-train with other departments; may be asked to Flag/RWIC.Other duties as assignedCurrent reporting locations: Onset, MA; Taunton, MA; Hyannis, MA.Pay Range: $25-33 depending on experience Benefits: Health, Dental, and Vision InsuranceLife Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term DisabilityHRA (Health Reimbursement Arrangement)Employee Assistance ProgramEarned Paid Time Off and Paid HolidaysRailroad Retirement Additional Information: All positions require pre-employment background check verification, a pre-employment physical and a pre-employment drug screen with random and for-cause screenings after employment begins

Marijuana usage will disqualify you for hire and/or for continued employment.We are an EEO/Affirmative Action Minority/Female employer, and we welcome all to apply. We consider candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, and sexual expression), ethnicity, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, ancestry, genetic information, citizenship, and any other personal characteristics protected by law.