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Train Conductor Trainee Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

... train passengers and verify and collect fares. Trainees will receive a rate of $20.75 per hour ... Assists the Conductor in the movement of trains by adhering to applicable operation rules and ...

Train Conductor Trainee information

See Massachusetts salary details

$15

$23

$39

How much do train conductor trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for train conductor trainee in Massachusetts is $23.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.78 and $26.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a train conductor trainee do?

A Train Conductor Trainee learns the skills needed to safely and efficiently manage train operations. This includes working under the supervision of experienced conductors to understand procedures for train movement, cargo management, safety inspections, and communication with crew and dispatchers. Trainees are also taught how to ensure the safety of passengers and freight, handle emergency situations, and comply with railroad regulations. Upon successful completion of the training program, they may be promoted to a full conductor position.

What are some common challenges faced by train conductor trainees during their initial months on the job?

Train Conductor Trainees often find the initial months demanding due to the steep learning curve of mastering safety protocols, operating procedures, and communication systems. Adapting to irregular hours, variable shifts, and working in all weather conditions can also be challenging. Additionally, trainees must quickly develop strong teamwork skills, as conductors collaborate closely with engineers and yard crews to ensure smooth operations. Support from more experienced conductors and a willingness to ask questions can help overcome these hurdles.

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

To thrive as a Train Conductor Trainee, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, basic mechanical knowledge, strong situational awareness, and the ability to pass background and medical checks. Familiarity with train operations, safety regulations, radio communication systems, and often completion of company-sponsored certification programs are typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make someone stand out in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring passenger and crew safety, maintaining schedules, and handling emergency situations efficiently.

What is the difference between Train Conductor Trainee vs Train Conductor?

AspectTrain Conductor TraineeTrain Conductor
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, on-the-job trainingHigh school diploma, certification, experience
Work EnvironmentTraining sites, rail yards, on-the-jobOn trains, stations, rail yards
Employer & Industry UsageRail companies during training periodRail companies, transportation industry
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The main difference between a Train Conductor Trainee and a Train Conductor is that the trainee is in the learning phase, gaining necessary skills and certifications, while the conductor is a fully qualified professional responsible for train operations, safety, and passenger service.

Can I become a train conductor trainee with no experience?

Train conductor trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as training programs are provided by employers to teach necessary skills such as safety procedures, communication, and operating protocols. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass background checks and medical exams. On-the-job training usually lasts several weeks to months before becoming fully qualified.

Is it hard to get hired as a train conductor trainee?

Getting hired as a train conductor trainee can be competitive and typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent, a clean background check, and passing written and physical tests. Employers often look for good communication skills, safety awareness, and the ability to work in a team, with training provided on safety procedures and operational protocols.

What is a train conductor trainee?

A train conductor trainee is an individual undergoing training to become a certified train conductor. The training typically covers safety procedures, operational protocols, and customer service skills, often including classroom instruction and on-the-job experience. Trainees work under supervision before qualifying to independently manage train operations and passenger interactions.

What training is needed to be a train conductor trainee?

Train conductor trainees typically undergo a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, which covers safety procedures, operational protocols, and customer service skills. They often need a high school diploma or equivalent, and some companies require a valid driver's license; additional certifications or background checks may also be necessary. Training duration varies but generally lasts several weeks to months before full certification.

What are the most commonly searched types of Train Conductor jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Train Conductor jobs in Massachusetts are:

What cities in Massachusetts are hiring for Train Conductor Trainee jobs?

Cities in Massachusetts with the most Train Conductor Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Train Conductor Trainee job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,043 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

$25.61/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

At Keolis Commuter Services (KCS), we give every team member—and their ideas—a seat for the journey. We are a diverse team made up of different backgrounds, stories, and perspectives, which is our strength. If you’re looking for a career with a company that invests in your future, KCS is the place for you. We Imagine. We Care. We Commit!

Since 2014, Keolis Commuter Services has been entrusted with operating and maintaining the Commuter Rail network on behalf of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).  During this time, we have worked to deliver a safe and reliable service, thanks to the knowledge and dedication of our team, and our experience operating transit networks around the world. Today, we're proud of the progress we have made together to deliver a best-in-class service for the Greater Boston community.

We believe our people are what make us great. That is why we demonstrate a commitment to a safe, healthy, and inclusive culture that welcomes ideas, encourages innovation, and values belonging. Your future starts here.

At Keolis Commuter Services, LLC we provide a competitive compensation package that is designed to be flexible and comprehensive to meet the needs of our hard-working employees and their families.

Benefits Package Highlights:

  • Generous Medical & Rx plan
  • Dental & Vision Plan
  • Railroad Retirement Benefits – a federal program that administers retirement, survivor, unemployment, and sickness benefits to U.S. railroad workers and their families.
  • Fidelity 401K Program
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Transit and Parking Reimbursement Benefits
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Company Sponsored Life & Accidental Death and Dismemberment Benefits
  • Education Assistance
  • Short- & Long-term Disability Benefits
  • Voluntary Benefits Plan options including
    • Supplemental health plans for accidents, critical illness, hospital stays
    • Pet, Home, Auto insurance

Conductor in Training

The purpose of this position is to provide exceptional customer service, work as part of a team responsible for the safe movement of train passengers and verify and collect fares. Trainees will receive a rate of $20.75 per hour during a 9-week training period that may include evenings and weekends. Upon successful completion of the training program, trainees will be paid $25.61 per hour.

* March 2025 Start Date - Interviews to be held January 2025 *

Knowledge and Experience:

  • College degree or an equivalent combination of relevant work experience and training. Minimum requirements are high school diploma, GED, or equivalent credentials.
  • Preferred experience in a customer service role that involves problem resolution, as well as a work history demonstrating the ability to adapt to various work hours.
  • Proven ability to successfully complete a rigorous training program to uphold necessary qualifications as it relates to FRA regulations as it pertains to railroad safety.
  • Demonstrated experience working in a safety sensitive environment coupled with ability to troubleshoot and effectively communicate with internal and external key stakeholders.
  • Work experience exhibiting responsibility, initiative, and other leadership characteristics.
  • Prior mechanical experience and knowledge specific to the transportation industry or similar field.

Skills:

  • Be able to communicate successfully with a variety of disciplines and levels including internal and external staff while working independently or in a team setting.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, customers, and vendors.
  • Practical experience or working knowledge of standard operating procedures and ability to inter pert, follow and implement written procedures.  
  • Experience with diagnostics and troubleshooting of electrical circuits and equipment in the transportation industry or other related fields.

Key Accountabilities (Essential Job Duties):

  • Perform duties in an environment requiring physical agility to easily get on/off train equipment, manipulate self between cars, bend, reach and stoop easily and safely ride the side of the train and lift a variety of equipment.
  • Maintains understanding of operating characteristics and practices, including physical characteristics, safety rules, air brakes rules, electrical instructions, equipment troubleshooting practices and emergency procedures.
  • Thinks and functions independently, utilizing clear and effective verbal communication skills to interact with passengers, crew members and others jointly accountable for safe and efficient train movements and customer service.
  • Responsible for assisting the Conductor with oversight of all on-train employees in service delivery by adhering to the Keolis Commuter Services safety and service standards.
  • Ensures all revenue documents (cash, credit card receipts, proof of payment) are collected and verified in accordance with designated tariffs. Assists the Conductor in the movement of trains by adhering to applicable operation rules and practices.
  • Adheres to all safety rules and regulations to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.
  • Assist the Conductor in the submission of various reports to record movement delays, unusual occurrences, passenger inconveniences and mechanical defects.
  • Assists in boarding and detraining passengers, baggage, express shipments, and mail.
  • Ensure each passenger has the proper fare, safety of passengers and orderly conduct of all passengers by demonstrating a demeanor and appearance conveying to passengers a sense of competence and complete professionalism.
  • Works in either a passenger or non-passenger operation, including yard duty and work trains.
  • Secures movement orders and ensures clear understanding by the operating crew.
  • Ensures pre-determined service requests are understood and conducted.
  • Safely rides the side of train equipment, getting on and off equipment as required.
  • Make special arrangements in case of service failure.
  • Other duties as assigned include emergency situations.

Requirements:

  • Successfully complete a seven- to eight-week training course, including classroom instruction followed by extensive qualifying and on-the-job training associated with the assigned Crew Base.
  • A current valid driver’s license is required to successfully travel throughout the Commuter Rail network and locations as assigned.
  • Report for work on short notice and work weekends and holidays. Works a variety of hours within a 24/7 transportation environment.
  • Understand and comply with Keolis Commuter Services uniform and grooming standards when engaged in performing passenger service.

Working Conditions:

  • Physically moves between and around train cars manipulating and lifting heavy air hoses and electrical cables.
  • Ability to work in all weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, rain and snow.
  • Near vision. The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
  • Far vision. The ability to see details at a distance.
  • Must be able to see railroad colors.
  • Oral Comprehension. The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
  • Control Precision. The ability to adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle quickly and repeatedly to the exact position.

Physical Demands:

  • Repeated lifting of 40 lb objects to chest height up to ten times/hour
  • Repetitive pushing and pulling of objects more than 40lbs for 5-minute intervals.
  • Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using both hands to handle feeling and/or reach with both hands and both arms.
  • Work performance inside and/or outside includes exposure to extreme cold, extreme heat, noise, vibration, mechanical hazards, and electrical hazards.
  • Ladder climbing to a height of 15 ft – ½ - 1 hour at a time; asymmetrical lifting 25 lbs. 5 minutes/hr./day; ability to reach 6-12 inches above head to perform work.
  • Manual dexterity required, i.e., fine motor skills.

Additional Statements:

  • Drug and alcohol screening: Employment contingent upon passing pre-employment drug and alcohol screen. Also, contingent upon receiving a favorable background check. Must pass a physical examination.
  • Safety commitment: Safety is a way of life at Keolis. By placing safety first, we ensure the wellbeing of our employees, customers, and communities. Together we can become the most successful transportation company in the world.
  • Environmental commitment: Keolis is committed to protecting the environment by minimizing the impact of operations to our people and the communities in which we operate.
  • EEO Statement: Our policy is to afford Equal Employment Opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, sex, religion, age, creed, marital status, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, or gender identification. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.
  • Disclaimer and closing statement: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all accountabilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job, and Keolis retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. Employees must be able to perform the essential job duties of this position satisfactorily.  If requested, reasonable accommodation will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.  Keolis is committed to offering our employees competitive compensation and benefits, opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.

To experience the life of a conductor please click the link below:

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