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Train Conductor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

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$37

How much do train conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for train conductor in Washington is $27.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.52 and $32.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much money does a conductor on a train make?

Train conductors typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $40,000 to $80,000 depending on experience, location, and employer. Conductors often work irregular hours and may need certification or training to qualify for the role.

Is it hard to get hired as a train conductor?

Getting hired as a train conductor can be competitive and typically requires meeting age and education requirements, passing background checks, and completing training programs. Candidates often need good communication skills, the ability to work irregular hours, and sometimes prior experience in transportation or customer service.

How do you become a train conductor?

To become a train conductor, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by on-the-job training provided by the employer. Some positions require a valid driver's license and good communication skills; additional certifications or safety training may also be necessary depending on the employer and region.

What are train conductors?

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 is the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically senior management positions such as railroad executives, as well as specialized roles like railroad engineers and signal maintainers with extensive experience. These roles often require advanced technical skills, certifications, and years of experience, and can offer salaries exceeding six figures annually.

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.

More about Train Conductor jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Train Conductor jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Train Conductor jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Train Conductor jobs in Washington? For Train Conductor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Train Conductor jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Train Conductor jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Train Conductor jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Train Conductor job openings:
Train Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Train Conductor job openings in Washington as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 86% Full Time, 5% 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 $57,402 per year, or $27.6 per hour.

Freight Conductor - Clifton Forge, VA

CSX Corporation

Clifton, VA • On-site

$2.9K/wk

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 29 days ago

CSX rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

185th of 358 rated logistics

Job description


Please read entire posting before applying to this position.
A Freight Conductor's primary responsibility is to safely coordinate train crews on a freight train, place rail cars to facilitate loading and unloading, and makeup/breakdown trains in a rail yard, customer facility or similar locations. To know more of what a day-in-the-life looks like for a conductor, please click to see a video here.
New hire conductors will be eligible to receive retention bonuses upon completion of their first and second year of service from date of promotion/qualification. The minimum amount to expect is $3000 after 1 year, and $2000 after year 2, but may be greater based on work location and is subject to the terms of the applicable direct hire agreement.
Note: You must pass a drug test (hair follicle and urine), medical exam, and background check to be hired into this role.
Must live within or be willing to relocate within 50 miles of posted location. Relocation assistance is not offered for this position.
Depending in the business need, you may be placed in a pipeline during the hiring process. If you are selected for the position, more information about the pipeline possibility will be discussed.
Responsibilities
Primary Activities and Responsibilities
  • Ensure compliance with all railroad and safety rules, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations, railroad signals, and train orders
  • Be able to safely perform all job responsibilities
  • Inspect all equipment on cars prior to departures
  • Receive and transmit information by radio and telephone
  • Read and understand bulletins, work orders, and switch lists
  • Assist with the coupling and uncoupling of cars, operate switches, and make minor repairs to railcars, including replacing heavy couplings or air brake hoses
  • Work with customers to ensure accurate movement and placement of cars; delivers excellent customer service by identifying customer needs and meeting or exceeding expectations
  • Maintain awareness of surrounding area and suspicious activity to ensure rail safety
  • Operate locomotive equipment using remote control device
  • Comprehend color and/or hand signals and systems
  • Review instructions from yardmasters, dispatchers, and other transportation employees, and discuss with locomotive engineer
  • Miscellaneous activities and responsibilities as assigned by manager

CSRA
  • Projected first year earnings: $97,185

  • Training rate while in Atlanta: $2,457.56 bi-weekly

  • On-the-job (OJT) training Rate: $2,949.06 bi-weekly

  • After OJT, guaranteed extra-board pay of $2,430.52 bi-weekly

  • The average earnings for new hire conductors in 2023 was $97,185 but could potentially be more with overtime opportunities.

CSRA Bonus:
  • 1st year - $3,000 deferred to 401K

  • 2nd year - $2,000 deferred to 401K

Training
You are expected to attend four weeks of paid training at the Atlanta Training Center (ATC) in Atlanta, GA. Training includes a combination of classroom and computer-based learning, hands-on simulations, and physical competencies. New hires must maintain an 85% passing rate on quizzes and tests to remain in training. Failure to maintain the 85% average will result in new hires being released from the program, and their offer will be rescinded. CSX will provide a hotel room for the entire four weeks. New hires will receive a $20 per day meal allowance starting the first day of training. The REDI Cafe operated by Sodexo provides lunch options at a standardized cost of $7 plus tax on class days. Roundtrip mileage will be reimbursed at the IRS rate between the hiring location and Atlanta, as well as mileage between the training center and hotel. On-the-job training begins immediately following the successful completion of training at the ATC.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
  • 18 years of age or older
  • One year of related experience
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Ability to read and comprehend all instructions including operating rules, bulletins, regulatory documents and other written communications
  • Proficient verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications
  • One or more years of outside work experience, e.g. construction, heavy equipment operations, farming, etc. (can be professional, personal, or volunteer experience)
  • Experience working in a safety sensitive environment
  • Valid Driver's License

Job Requirements
  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries
  • Must wear CSX approved protective equipment such as high-visibility vest, safety boots, hard hat, and hearing protection
  • Work hours may include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and various shift work
  • Work hours are based on seniority, new hires primarily work on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays
  • Must be able to safely report to work within two hours of being notified to report
  • May be required to travel and be away from home terminal for 24 hours or longer
  • Work outdoors in varying weather conditions
  • Complete annual training and pass safety rules examinations
  • Federal regulations require random testing for drugs and/or alcohol
  • Must pass all required assessments
  • Strict disciplinary policy regarding inability to report to work within proper time limit
  • Advance to engineer position when required, based on seniority
  • This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement and membership is required
  • Cover outlying locations based on seniority
  • Information about benefits can be found here

Physical Requirements
  • Must be able to mount and dismount moving equipment
  • Stoop/bend/kneel/crouch/crawl/balance/climb
  • Work in cramped, confined, enclosed, or awkward places
  • Ride on the outside of rail equipment for extended periods of time
  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain for extended periods of time during shifts
  • Demonstrate auditory and visual acuity/tracking/inspection
  • Must meet color vision and hearing requirements as described in FRA Regulations
  • Frequent lifting up to 80 pounds

Basic Competencies
  • Verbal comprehension (Understand oral and written communications)
  • Communication skills (provide clear instructions/directions)
  • Reasoning skills (problem solving and troubleshooting skills)

About Us
CSX is passionate about building a workforce that reflects the values and behaviors of ONE CSX. We are nationally recognized for our commitment to diversity and engagement, as well as our support for veterans and reservists.
CSX, based in Jacksonville, Florida, is a premier transportation company. It provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services and solutions to customers across a broad array of markets, including energy, industrial, construction, agricultural, and consumer products. For nearly 200 years, CSX has played a critical role in the nation's economic expansion and industrial development. Its network connects every major metropolitan area in the eastern United States, where nearly two-thirds of the nation's population resides. It also links more than 230 short-line railroads and more than 70 ocean, river and lake ports with major population centers and farming towns alike. More information about CSX Corporation and its subsidiaries is available at www.csx.com. Connect with us on Facebook X LinkedIn Instagram YouTube
Closing Statement
At CSX, two of our six Guiding Principles are Valuing and Developing Employees as well as Operating Safely. We are committed to offering our team members the most competitive compensation and benefits package available, unlimited opportunities for development and growth throughout an exciting and rewarding career, and the safest work environment possible.
CSX is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. Click here to view the EEO is Law poster.
CSX Transportation and its subsidiaries are not seeking outside assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from staffing agencies or search firms for employment or contractor opportunities. Any resumes submitted by an outside vendor to any employee at CSX via e-mail, Internet, or directly to hiring managers without a valid written search agreement in place with the Talent Acquisition / HR department will be deemed the sole property of CSX. No placement fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired as a result of the referral, or through other means.

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