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Train Conductor Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

... conductors, engineers, mechanics, and MOW Team Members at Watco's Safe Performance Center • ... train and direct track laborers and other personnel. • Obtain and operate under track warrants ...

Train Conductor information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$10

$19

$25

How much do train conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for train conductor in Baton Rouge, LA is $19.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.97 and $22.26 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.

What are popular job titles related to Train Conductor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? For Train Conductor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Train Conductor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for? The top searched job categories for Train Conductor jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:
What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Train Conductor jobs? Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Train Conductor job openings:
Infographic showing various Train Conductor job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $39,782 per year, or $19.1 per hour.
Student Conductor - Plaquemine, Louisiana

Student Conductor - Plaquemine, Louisiana

Watco

Plaquemine, LA

$20/hr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Watco rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

253rd of 358 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

Starting pay: $20.00

Schedule: Rotating 2-2-3 (days/nights) 6am to 6pm and 6pm to 6am

The Student Conductor will work with managers, peer trainers and train crews to learn the safe switching of railcars using locomotive power, based on customer requests. Switch crews are responsible for performing jobs efficiently and following all company and customer safety rules and completing corresponding paperwork at the end of every shift. This Student Conductor description is general and illustrative of the type of duties required for this position. This description is not all inclusive and is not meant to be a detailed description of each duty performed by the incumbent. 

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 and understand basic math 
• Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes to apply procedures using good judgment 
• Assist in inspection of locomotive(s) before running to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all other requirements 
• Read and interpret switching orders from designated person 
• Observe and learn radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operate locomotive in accordance with company and customer rules and regulations 
• Observe and learn arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars or receives starting signal and moves control, such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive 
• Clearly and effectively communicate with crews, dispatchers or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information 
• Assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations 
• Turn hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake as well as apply and release handbrakes 
• Observe track to detect potential obstructions 
• Assist with inspecting locomotive(s) after running to detect damaged or defective equipment 
• Assist with maintaining records, numbers, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched 
• Assist with coordinating activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, or other on-site location
• Raise coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars 
• Throw track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals 
• Move cars, using lanterns, hand signals or radio 
• Connect air hoses to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force 
• Sit or rides in locomotive cab to observe signals from other crew members 
• Assist with making minor repairs to couplings, and air hoses and report any equipment requiring major repairs 
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

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, skills, and/or abilities required. Must be able to pass and obtain all reporting, testing, and certifications as required for this position.
• Ability to pass training and required Conductor Certification testing in a reasonable period of time, typically within one year 
• Valid driver's license 
• Willingness and ability to obtain locomotive engineer certification following conductor certification  

Education
High School or GED equivalent

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