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Train Crew Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Union Pacific

Train Crew - Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training. As you ...

Union Pacific

$80K/yr

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training. As you ...

Union Pacific

Train Crew - Spokane, WA

Spokane, WA

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training. As you ...

Union Pacific

IL

Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training. As you ...

Union Pacific

Train Crew - Rawlins, WY

Rawlins, WY

Description As a Train Crew Member, you will play a vital role in the smooth operation of our railroad. Your primary responsibility will be ensuring the safe, punctual, and efficient movement of ...

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How much do train crew jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for train crew in the United States is $21.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Train Crew member, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Train Crew member, you need a solid understanding of railroad operations, safety protocols, and mechanical aptitude, often supported by a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Familiarity with train control systems, communication devices, and safety equipment is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills help ensure safe and efficient train operations. These skills are crucial for maintaining operational safety, minimizing delays, and ensuring the well-being of passengers and cargo.

What is the difference between Train Crew vs Conductor?

AspectTrain CrewConductor
CredentialsBasic safety training, certification depending on regionSame as train crew, often requires additional certification
Work EnvironmentOnboard trains, rail yards, stationsOnboard trains, stations, administrative tasks
Employer & Industry UsageRailroads, transit agenciesRailroads, transit agencies, passenger services
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Train crew members and conductors work closely within the railway industry, often sharing similar credentials and work environments. While train crew typically refers to roles like brakemen or assistant conductors, conductors usually have additional responsibilities such as ticketing and passenger safety. Both roles are essential for safe and efficient train operations, with overlapping skills and certifications.

What are some typical challenges faced by Train Crew members during their shifts?

Train Crew members often encounter challenges related to variable schedules, operating in diverse weather conditions, and ensuring adherence to strict safety protocols. They must be prepared to respond quickly to unexpected delays or operational issues while coordinating with conductors, engineers, and dispatchers. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Train Crew members play a critical role in the safe and efficient movement of freight or passengers. Adaptability and attention to detail help them manage the dynamic nature of the rail environment.

What are train crew?

Train crew are employees responsible for operating and managing trains during their journeys. Typically, a train crew includes conductors, engineers, and sometimes brakemen or other support staff. Their duties range from driving the train and ensuring passenger safety to handling cargo and communicating with dispatch. Train crew members are essential for the safe and efficient operation of rail services, whether for passenger or freight trains.

What's the highest paying railroad job?

The highest paying railroad jobs are typically executive or management positions such as railroad presidents, chief operating officers, or senior engineers, which can earn six-figure salaries. Skilled roles like locomotive engineers and signal maintainers also earn competitive wages, especially with experience and certifications. Salary levels depend on experience, location, and company size.

How to be a train crew?

To become a train crew member, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and must pass background checks and drug screenings. Training is provided on safety procedures, operating protocols, and communication systems, often lasting several weeks. Good communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in a team are essential for this role.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

Jobs for train crew typically do not pay $2000 a day; such high daily earnings are more common in specialized fields like executive consulting, high-level sales, or certain medical and legal professions. Some freelance or contract roles in consulting or project management can reach this level with experience and expertise, but they are not standard for train crew positions.

Is 55 too old to become a train driver?

Train driver roles typically require good health, vision, and the ability to pass medical and safety assessments, with many companies setting retirement ages around 60 to 65. Age alone is not a barrier if the candidate meets the physical and certification requirements, and some regions have no upper age limit for employment in this field.
More about Train Crew jobs
What cities are hiring for Train Crew jobs? Cities with the most Train Crew job openings:
What states have the most Train Crew jobs? States with the most job openings for Train Crew jobs include:
Train Crew jobs near you
Infographic showing various Train Crew job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,261 per year, or $21.3 per hour.
Train Crew - Boone, IA

Train Crew - Boone, IA

Union Pacific Railroad

Boone, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 15 days ago

Union Pacific rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 93 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

25th of 62 rated delivery companies

Job description

Reference Number: 4702
Department: Transportation
Closing Date: Apply early as this job may be filled at any time.
Most communications will be done electronically. Please check email, including spam folders, daily.
If you wish to solicit an employee referral for this position, please ensure the employee submits the referral prior to submitting your application.
Description
At Union Pacific, success is driven by our talented workforce. If you are passionate about contributing to a dynamic team and being at the heart of the railroad industry, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. We are powered by our people, will you join our Train Crew team?
Train Crew employees are responsible for providing the safe and timely movement of customers' freight. Previous railroad experience is not required as we provide all necessary training.
As you progress in your career, you may have the opportunity to apply for engine service (fireman's class) and become a Class 1 Locomotive Engineer.
In your initial year of service, you can expect earnings of around $80,000. As you advance in your career there is potential for higher earnings, with the median annual wages of an employee with five years of service reaching over $100,000. Each employee is entitled to medical insurance that also covers prescriptions. In addition, the company provides vision, dental, life, and disability insurance.
What Should You Know
  • If hired, know that changing seniority locations and/or crafts (moving from train crew to mechanical or engineering) are approved based on business demands and may not be granted. Plan to commit to your craft and work location for a minimum of 2 years.
  • The training class is 14 weeks and includes classroom and on-the-job training. Attendance for the full 14 weeks and successful completion of all exams during the training period is a requirement for continued employment.
  • After training, you will work either road or yard service based on the territory you hold seniority and seniority date.
  • Road service crews may be required to work between two locations requiring them to stay away from their home terminal point. Lodging is provided by Union Pacific.
  • Yard and local service crews work with an engineer, or by remote control. They classify (sort) the cars from inbound trains and build outbound trains.
  • This is a seniority-based position, and you may be required to cover locations within the area you hold seniority other than the location hired. These locations could be a long distance from the location you were hired or from where you live. Lodging may or may not be provided depending on the collective bargaining agreement you are working under.
  • You may be required to work an assignment that is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • You will likely not be eligible for compensated time off during your first year of employment aside from paid sick days.
  • Temporary furloughs are possible depending on fluctuations in business volumes. Furloughs and subsequent recalls to work are based on seniority dates.
  • Union Pacific does not tolerate the use of drugs and alcohol (even for medicinal purposes). You will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing, mandatory testing for reasonable suspicion, and post-accident testing when applicable.
  • Refer to Train Crew FAQs for more information.

Accountabilities
  • Inspect equipment, locomotives, and rail cars to ensure they are safe to use or move in a train.
  • Perform tasks such as: Coupling (connecting) equipment, aligning drawbars, operating remote control locomotives, applying, and releasing hand brakes, riding rail cars, replacing couplers/knuckles and effectively communicating information to crews, yard controllers, and dispatchers via radio and/or hand signals.
  • Maintain accurate written and electronic documentation and prepare necessary materials as required.
  • Observe and comply with all railroad rules and regulations pertaining to safety, operations, and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
  • Perform additional duties as assigned by a supervisor.

Qualifications - Required
  • Applicants must have reached the age of 18 or above.
  • Valid driver's license
  • Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident.
  • Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident.
  • Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
  • Successfully complete an assessment in English before proceeding to the interview stage. For more information go to FAQs on UP.jobs.

Qualifications - Preferred
  • Experience working on 2nd and/or 3rd shifts.
  • Experience working outdoors in diverse weather conditions (considering professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
  • Experience working with, on, and around heavy equipment in motion (considering professional, personal, and volunteer experiences)
  • Experience working in confined spaces and at different heights.

Physical and Mental Job Requirements
  • Candidates are required to successfully pass a Physical Ability Test (PAT) before being considered for employment. This is separate from the medical exam and will assess your ability to handle the demands of the job. For more information go to the FAQs on UP.jobs.
  • Normal color vision, enabling the detection and interpretation of various visual color signals and displays, as well as the ability to determine the speed of moving objects at both close and distant ranges.
  • Adequate depth perception to accurately assess the speed and distance of locomotives being moved in the service area.
  • The strength to push, pull, lift, and carry objects weighing up to 85 lbs.
  • The ability to frequently perform coordinated hand movements for grasping, placing, or moving objects.
  • The capacity to engage in physically demanding tasks, including occasional bending, stooping, and kneeling.
  • The capacity to bend, stoop, line a switch from one track to another, climb a rail car side ladder, maintain balance while riding a rail car at varying distances, walk up to 5 miles per shift on uneven terrain and occasionally work at heights of 12' or more.
  • The capability to detect unusual sounds and smells during inspections and testing, and promptly respond.

Work Conditions
  • You may travel with our trains, sometimes spending a day or more away from your home terminal.
  • Work outdoors in all weather conditions, including snow, ice, rain, cold and heat.
  • Instead of working a standard 40-hour week, there are variable work hours and irregularly scheduled days off. Train Crew employees are on call, even on nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship.

Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.
What we offer:
  • A strengths-based, engagement-focused, and performance-oriented culture
  • Ongoing learning, development, and Educational Assistance (including little to no out-of-pocket cost for online and in-person courses at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Metropolitan Community College)
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 20% match up to 5%
  • Medical, dental and vision insurance, which are collectively bargained for through union membership
    Wellness and Employee Assistance Programs

Background Check Investigation
* State & Federal criminal history
* Last 7 years of employment history to include military service
* Education
* Prior drug history
* Professional license or certification, if applicable to role
* Driving history, if applicable to role
Please click here to review Union Pacific's policy regarding background investigations.
Medical Review
* Medical Evaluation
* Drug Screen
* Fitness-for-duty assessment to ensure that candidates can safely perform essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation
* Color vision exam, if applicable to role
Equal Employment Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation
Union Pacific is an equal opportunity employer here . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Union Pacific is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its employment of individuals with disabilities. To request a disability accommodation in the application process, please use this link here to submit a request.
Culture
Union Pacific strives to attract all available talent. We are committed to creating an environment where all people can be their best, personally and professionally, as we remain a merit and performance-based company.

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