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Switchman Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Watco

Conductor - Hutchinson, KS

Hutchinson, KS · On-site

$22/hr

... 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 ...

PACK Power

Journeyman (TYCO CERT)

Spearville, KS · On-site

$23.75 - $29.50/hr

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

PACK Power

(Licensed) Electrical Journeyman

Edgerton, KS

$27.75 - $36.50/hr

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

PACK Power

Field Mechanic

Spearville, KS

$35/hr

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

PACK Power

Site Safety Specialist

Spearville, KS

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

PACK Power

Journeyman Terminator

Spearville, KS · On-site

$24 - $33/hr

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

Black & Veatch

Grid Estimator

Olathe, KS · On-site

As a Discipline Estimator for Substation, Transmission, Distribution, and Switchyard projects, you will be the responsible for taking off, compiling, and reviewing bids and proposals for high-voltage ...

PACK Power

Equipment Operator - Trencher

Spearville, KS

$19.25 - $24.75/hr

Our suite of specialized services spans substations, transmission lines, switchyards, and collection systems, delivering innovative solutions that power the future while prioritizing sustainability ...

Black & Veatch

Grid Estimator

Overland Park, KS · On-site

As a Discipline Estimator for Substation, Transmission, Distribution, and Switchyard projects, you will be the responsible for taking off, compiling, and reviewing bids and proposals for high-voltage ...

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Switchman information

See Kansas salary details

$13

$18

$24

How much do switchman jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for switchman in Kansas is $18.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $19.95 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a switchman?

A switchman operates the track switches for a railroad. Their job duties involve operating the switches and brakes, inspecting important parts of the trains, attaching and detaching freight cars, and moving cars. This career requires excellent physical strength and stamina, so switchmen have to undergo a medical exam and a physical exam. Additional qualifications include strong mechanical skills and good hand-eye coordination. Most railyards provide on-the-job training so switchmen can learn about railroad equipment as well as standard policies and procedures.

What does a switchman do?

A Switchman is responsible for operating railroad switches, which control the direction of train movements on tracks. They work in rail yards or along railway lines to ensure trains are routed safely and efficiently. Switchmen also couple and uncouple train cars, signal engineers, and help organize cars for proper train assembly. Their work is essential for smooth rail operations and preventing accidents. Attention to detail and strict adherence to safety protocols are key aspects of this job.

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

To thrive as a Switchman, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, strong situational awareness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication devices, track-switching systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient movement of trains and minimize risks in a physically demanding and hazardous environment.

What are some common challenges faced by switchmen in their day-to-day work?

Switchmen often work outdoors in varying weather conditions and are responsible for safely directing railcars, which requires constant vigilance and adherence to safety protocols. The role can be physically demanding, involving manual operation of track switches and coupling or uncoupling railcars. Additionally, switchmen must communicate clearly with engineers and conductors to coordinate movements, which is crucial to preventing accidents and maintaining efficient rail yard operations.

What is the difference between Switchman vs Signal Maintainer?

AspectSwitchmanSignal Maintainer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, technical training
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areasRailway signals, control centers
Industry UsageRailroad companies, freight and passenger trainsRailroad companies, signaling systems
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

While both Switchmen and Signal Maintainers work in the railway industry, Switchmen primarily handle switching and moving railcars within yards, whereas Signal Maintainers focus on maintaining and repairing signaling systems. Both roles require technical skills and are essential for safe railway operations, but they differ in daily tasks and work environments.

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Switchman jobs near you
Infographic showing various Switchman job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $39,498 per year, or $19 per hour.

Conductor - Hutchinson, KS

Watco

Hutchinson, KS • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 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 366 rated logistics

Job description

Conductor - Hutchinson, KS
Job Location: Hutchinson, KS Depot-67502, Wichita, KS Depot-Wichita-67213
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
Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00
Schedule: 12 hour shifts (days and nights)
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
• 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
• 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
• 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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