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Train Conductor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Patriot Rail

Conductor/Engineer LTRR

East Chicago, IN · On-site

All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CONDUCTOR • Ensure ...

Patriot Rail

Conductor/Engineer LTRR

East Chicago, IN · On-site

All train crew employees are responsible for strict adherence to safety guidelines and for completing their duties with integrity and professionalism. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES CONDUCTOR · Ensure ...

Canadian Pacific Railway

Trainmaster

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

Oversee all train movements within the yard and mainline ensuring safe, tactical execution of the ... Previous railway experience as a conductor, required. Locomotive engineer qualification is an asset

New

Metra

Road Foreman of Engines

Chicago, IL · On-site

$111K/yr

Supervise train and engine crews to ensure compliance with all federal regulations, operating and ... Must have a Locomotive Engineering License or Conductor Certification. * Must possess and maintain ...

Integrity Trade Services LLC

Outside Loader

Portage, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Candidates will climb onto tanker trucks and train cars to hook up hoses and pump liquid to and ... Perform Rail switching, both conductor and ground man responsibilities. * Perform proper visual ...

Integrity Trade Services

Outside Loader

Portage, IN · On-site

$18/hr

Candidates will climb onto tanker trucks and train cars to hook up hoses and pump liquid to and ... Perform Rail switching, both conductor and ground man responsibilities. * Perform proper visual ...

Road & Rail Services

Traveling Railroad Carman

Chicago, IL · On-site

$28 - $34/hr

Traveling Railcar Repairman / Carman Location: Chicago, IL Pay: $28.00 - $34.00 per hour Road & Rail Services is seeking an experienced Traveling Railcar Repairman / Carman to join our team. This is ...

Topbuild

Northeast Sales Specialist - Marine

Hammond, IN · On-site

$30K - $250K/yr

The conductor of that train is our Outside Sales Representative. The Outside Sales Representative is the focal point in establishing and maintaining working relationships with our customers. The ...

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All JobsTrain Conductor JobsTrain Conductor Jobs in Chicago, IL

Train Conductor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$13

$25

$33

How much do train conductor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for train conductor in Chicago, IL is $25.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.31 and $29.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 specialized training. Candidates often need good communication skills, the ability to work irregular hours, and sometimes prior experience in transportation or customer service.
More about Train Conductor jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Train Conductor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Train Conductor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Train Conductor job openings:

Train Conductor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Train Conductor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,251 per year, or $25.1 per hour.

Freight Train Conductor - Bedford Park, IL

Bedford Park, IL • On-site

Paducah & Louisville Railway
Trucking • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Paducah & Louisville Railwayexternal

$38.19/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Midway Southern Railway, Inc. (part of P&L Transportation, Inc.) is looking for Freight Train Conductors in Bedford Park, IL.


The conductor is responsible for the safe and efficient administration of the train operations and handling of customer freight in accordance with FRA, AAR, and Company rules, policies and regulations. All necessary safety procedures, guidelines and policies must be adhered to in the performance of the tasks assigned to this position as set forth below.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Understand and adhere to operating rules, safety rules, policies, procedures and regulations and ensure train crew’s compliance with all train orders, signals, rules and regulations and for safe train operations.
  • Perform railcar switching by combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains by switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic while directing engineer to move cars to fit planned train configurations.
  • Receive and comprehend instructions, bulletins, work orders, and switch lists from dispatchers and Trainmaster, and discuss with locomotive engineer and train crew to ensure all understand the immediate job task.
  • Complete paperwork of car movements and keep records of the contents and destination of each train car to ensure cars are added/removed at proper points on route in accordance with customer’s instructions and for proper billing.
  • Observe, understand, and act upon the indications of color light signals and signs.
  • Communicate with engineer, dispatcher, and other workers using telecommunications equipment/radios and hand signals.
  • Inspect the condition of trains and equipment including making repairs such as changing knuckles and air brake hoses.


Job Requirements - Context and Environment:

  • Work safely to prevent on the job accidents and injuries.
  • SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION – Extreme consequence of error to worker and public.
  • Exposure to hazardous equipment.
  • Vision, color, and hearing acuity as specified in FRA regulations.
  • Governed by a collective bargaining agreement with membership required which determines specific job duties, work assignments, and work locations.
  • Regular and timely attendance at work.
  • Work hours are irregular and will vary in length and schedule. Work hours will include a nonstandard workweek, overtime, and shiftwork including nights and weekends usually exceeding 40 hours per week.
  • Required to report to work safely on as close to two-hour notice as possible. Will include nights and weekends.
  • Requires a valid driver’s license.
  • >95% travel required.
  • Wearing Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  • Frequent lifting work up to 50 pounds and 85 pounds occasionally.
  • Walking long distances over uneven terrain and on elevated surfaces and slopes.
  • Ascends and descends steps and ladders to get on and off equipment.
  • Working under Time Pressure to meet strict deadlines.
  • Working outdoors (Exposed to all Weather conditions). Exposed to heat and cold including extreme heat and cold, both natural and man-made and with equipment that intensifies the heat factor. They are required to work in a variety of weather conditions at all times of the day or night
  • Exposed to Sounds and elevated Noise Levels (Are Distracting or Uncomfortable


Education/Training/Certification: High school diploma or general education degree (GED).