Trainmaster - Toledo, OH
Toledo, OH · On-site
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 ...
Trainmaster - Toledo, OH
Toledo, OH · On-site
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 ...
... Terminals is looking for an ExperiencedLocomotive Engineer to join our rail operations team in ... Growing company with advancement opportunities into Yardmaster, Trainmaster, and Operations ...
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... Terminals is looking for an ExperiencedLocomotive Engineer to join our rail operations team in ... Growing company with advancement opportunities into Yardmaster, Trainmaster, and Operations ...
Terminal Trainmaster information
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$52K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$48.5K - $54.1K
40% of jobs
The median wage is $58.2K / yr.
$54.1K - $59.7K
13% of jobs
$59.7K - $65.3K
0% of jobs
$65.3K - $70.9K
0% of jobs
$70.9K - $76.5K
0% of jobs
$76.5K - $82K
0% of jobs
$82K - $87.6K
0% of jobs
$87.6K - $93.2K
7% of jobs
$98.7K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$93.2K - $98.8K
14% of jobs
$98.8K - $104.4K
12% of jobs
$104.4K - $110K
12% of jobs
$48.5K
$76.7K
$110K
How much do terminal trainmaster jobs pay per year?
As of Aug 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for terminal trainmaster in the United States is $76,655.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $101,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a terminal trainmaster?
Terminal Trainmasters are railroad professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of a rail terminal. They manage train movements, coordinate with crews, ensure safety protocols are followed, and address operational challenges. Their primary goal is to ensure efficient and safe rail yard operations, including scheduling, logistics, and communication between different teams. Terminal Trainmasters play a key role in minimizing delays and ensuring regulatory compliance within the terminal.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a terminal trainmaster?
To thrive as a Terminal Trainmaster, you need comprehensive knowledge of railroad operations, safety regulations, logistics, and typically a background in transportation management or related experience. Familiarity with train dispatching systems, scheduling software, and safety compliance tools is crucial for overseeing terminal activities. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage crews and coordinate with multiple departments effectively. These qualifications ensure efficient and safe railway operations, minimize delays, and maintain regulatory compliance.
What are some common challenges faced by terminal trainmasters and how can they be effectively managed?
Terminal Trainmasters often encounter challenges such as coordinating complex train schedules, ensuring safety compliance, and managing a diverse team of yard and operations staff. Balancing the demands of efficient train movement with maintaining strict safety standards can be demanding, especially during peak periods or unexpected disruptions. Successful Trainmasters develop strong communication skills, remain adaptable, and use technology to monitor operations, helping them quickly resolve issues and keep terminal activities running smoothly.
How much money does a terminal trainmaster make?
A terminal trainmaster typically earns between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the size of the terminal. They oversee train operations, coordinate schedules, and ensure safety compliance, often working in a supervisory role within the railroad industry.
What is the difference between Terminal Trainmaster vs Terminal Dispatcher?
| Aspect | Terminal Trainmaster | Terminal Dispatcher |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Railroad certifications, management experience | Railroad certifications, communication skills |
| Work Environment | Supervises train operations, manages crews | Coordinates train movements, communicates with crews |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Railroads, freight companies | Railroads, freight companies |
The Terminal Trainmaster oversees train operations and manages crews, focusing on safety and efficiency. The Terminal Dispatcher handles communication and coordination of train movements within the terminal. While both roles require railroad certifications and work in similar environments, the Trainmaster has a supervisory role, whereas the Dispatcher focuses on communication and scheduling.
More about Terminal Trainmaster jobs
What cities are hiring for Terminal Trainmaster jobs? Cities with the most Terminal Trainmaster job openings:
What job categories do people searching Terminal Trainmaster jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Terminal Trainmaster jobs are:
Watco rating
6.7
Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
252nd of 359 rated logistics
Job description
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 or 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
Supervises and coordinates activities of train crew engaged in switching railroad cars within rail yard, industrial plant, or similar locations. Facilitate loading and unloading of cars, making, and breaking trains, and switching cars for customers in a safe and efficient manner.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Supervises and coordinates train crews.• Communicates switching orders to train crews focusing on safety and efficiency. • Utilize various systems and reports to organize and communicate customer changes to cars. • Ensure daily train lists are executed accurately and timely by train crews. • Investigate and provide accurate reports for any incidents or accidents. • Understand factors to contributing costs and overall profitability of location. • Understand locomotive requirements based on horsepower and trailing tons and control efficiency of fuel costs. • Knowledgeable of FRA regulations for railroad industry. • Ability to comprehend written safety rules, procedures and safety manuals, government regulations, operating and maintenance instructions and other work-related information. • Ability to comprehend and communicate instructions in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule form. • Able to adapt to constant changing environment and utilize common sense and problem-solving skills. • Ability to train switch crews and other personnel on job-related duties; and provide training related to federal and company regulations, rules, and safety guidelines. • Ability to pass training and required testing • Performs other duties as requested or required.
Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed 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. Must hold and continue to hold, a current locomotive engineers and conductor’s certification.
Education
Must be 18 years of age or older with High School or GED equivalent