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Train Conductor Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Conductor

Medicine Lodge, KS · On-site

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

As a Conductor, you'll play an important role in the safe and efficient movement of freight trains ... You'll work with train crews to move and position railcars, build and break down trains ...

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 ...

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 ...

Conductor - Winfield, KS Job Location: Winfield, KS Depot-Winfield-67156 Office Location: Onsite ... coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad ...

As a Switchman/Engineer or Utility Conductor, you'll play a key role in safely operating rail ... This position will plan and coordinate safe efficient train movements and proper makeup of outbound ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... Acts as the central communication point between train crews, maintenance of way teams, and ...

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... Acts as the central communication point between train crews, maintenance of way teams, and ...

Communicate with train crews and yard personnel to ensure coordinated rail movements. * Follow all ... Switching or conductor experience preferred * Valid driver's license * Ability to always follow ...

Communicate with train crews and yard personnel to ensure coordinated rail movements. * Follow all ... Switching or conductor experience preferred * Valid driver's license * Ability to always follow ...

Communicate with train crews and yard personnel to ensure coordinated rail movements. * Follow all ... Switching or conductor experience preferred * Valid driver's license * Ability to always follow ...

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Train Conductor information

See Kansas salary details

$11

$21

$29

How much do train conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for train conductor in Kansas is $21.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.28 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired as a train conductor?

Getting hired as a train conductor can be competitive and typically requires completing a training program, passing written and practical exams, and obtaining certification. Employers often look for good communication skills, attention to safety, and the ability to work irregular hours, which can make the hiring process challenging for some applicants.

How do you become a train conductor?

To become a train conductor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must complete on-the-job training provided by the employer. Some positions require a valid driver's license and good communication skills, and candidates often need to pass background checks and medical exams before starting training programs.

What is a train conductor?

Train conductors are railroad employees responsible for the safe operation and coordination of trains. They oversee train crews, ensure passengers or cargo are secure, check tickets, and communicate with engineers and dispatchers. Conductors also manage schedules, handle emergencies, and enforce safety regulations. Their role is essential in maintaining efficient and safe rail transport.

What does a typical work schedule look like for a train conductor, and how flexible is it?

Train Conductors often work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, as train schedules operate around the clock. Shifts can be long and may require being on call or working on short notice, especially in freight transport. While this can be challenging for work-life balance, seniority often brings more predictable and desirable shifts. It's important for candidates to be prepared for a dynamic schedule and adapt to varying work hours as part of the role.

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

To thrive as a Train Conductor, you need strong knowledge of railway operations, safety regulations, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, along with employer-provided training and certification. Familiarity with communication systems, signaling devices, and scheduling software is crucial for daily operations. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are standout soft skills for this role. These abilities ensure passenger safety, smooth train operations, and effective coordination with crew and control centers.

What qualifications do you need for a train conductor?

Train conductors typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must pass background checks and drug screenings. They often receive on-the-job training and may need to obtain certification or licensing depending on the region and employer requirements.

What is the difference between Train Conductor vs Train Engineer?

AspectTrain ConductorTrain Engineer
Required CertificationsState-specific conductor certifications, safety trainingCommercial driver’s license (CDL), engineer certification
Work EnvironmentPassenger cars, station platforms, onboard trainsLocomotive cab, train yard, tracks
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agencies, passenger and freight servicesRailroads, freight and passenger train companies
Primary ResponsibilitiesPassenger safety, ticketing, customer serviceOperating and controlling train movement

While both train conductors and train engineers work in the rail industry, conductors focus on passenger safety, ticketing, and customer service, whereas engineers operate the train's controls. Understanding these roles helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the rail industry.

What are the most commonly searched types of Train Conductor jobs in Kansas? The most popular types of Train Conductor jobs in Kansas are:
What are popular job titles related to Train Conductor jobs in Kansas? For Train Conductor jobs in Kansas, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Train Conductor jobs in Kansas look for? The top searched job categories for Train Conductor jobs in Kansas are:
What cities in Kansas are hiring for Train Conductor jobs? Cities in Kansas with the most Train Conductor job openings:
Infographic showing various Train Conductor job openings in Kansas as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 3% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 91% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,201 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Conductor - McPherson, KS

Watco

Mcpherson, KS • On-site

$22/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 359 rated logistics


Job description

Conductor - McPherson, KS
Job Location: McPherson, KS Depot-67460
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 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
Hourly Pay Rate: $22.00
Schedule: 8 to 12 hour shifts, must be able to work overnights or weekends.
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
• A Conductor must 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.
• The Conductor 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.
• The Conductor 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.
• The Conductor 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.
Education
High School or GED equivalent

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