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Yardmaster Railroad Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor

Coshocton, OH

$32.64/hr

He or she receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Conductor

Butler, PA · On-site

$37.45/hr

He or she receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad ...

G&W

Conductor

Butler, PA · On-site

$37.45/hr

He or she receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad ...

G&W

Conductor

Coshocton, OH · On-site

$32.64/hr

He or she receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad ...

Genesee & Wyoming Inc

Engineer/Conductor

Bay City, MI · On-site

$36.59/hr

He or she receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad ...

G&W

Conductor/Switchman

Kansas City, KS · On-site

$26/hr

Railyard Switchman/Conductor experience, Yardmaster or Coordinator Experience a plus! Are you ready to build a rewarding career in the railroad industry? Join the Genesee & Wyoming Inc. (G&W) team ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor- NKCR

Grant, NE · On-site

Receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor- NKCR

Grant, NE

Receives, relays, or acts upon oral, written, or radio instructions from dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a ...

OmniTRAX

Engineer / Conductor

Tulsa, OK · On-site

... yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company ...

omnitrax

Engineer / Conductor

Sand Springs, OK · On-site

... yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor - SS

Sand Springs, OK · On-site

... yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor-BRG

Brownsville, TX

... yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company ...

omnitrax

Engineer/Conductor

Ottawa, IL · On-site

... yardmaster or other personnel indicating the switch movement, placement, or delivery of railroad cars and/or a train. Performs work safely, effectively, and efficiently in accordance with company ...

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Yardmaster Railroad information

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$9

$25

$50

How much do yardmaster railroad jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for yardmaster railroad in the United States is $25.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.98 and $41.59 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do yardmasters make at BNSF?

Yardmasters at BNSF Railway typically earn an average annual salary of around $70,000 to $80,000, depending on experience and location. They are responsible for coordinating train movements, managing yard operations, and ensuring safety protocols are followed.

How much do railroad yard masters make?

Railroad yard masters typically earn an average annual salary between $60,000 and $80,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the railroad company. They oversee train movements, coordinate yard operations, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts that include nights and weekends.

What are some typical challenges a Yardmaster Railroad faces when coordinating train movements in a busy rail yard?

One common challenge for Yardmaster Railroad professionals is efficiently managing the logistics of multiple trains arriving and departing simultaneously, often under tight time constraints. They must ensure that cars are correctly sorted and assembled according to schedules and customer requirements, while maintaining safety standards and minimizing delays. This often involves quick decision-making, constant communication with conductors, engineers, and dispatchers, and the ability to adapt to unexpected changes like equipment malfunctions or weather disruptions. Successfully overcoming these challenges is key to keeping rail yard operations running smoothly.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A Yardmaster Railroad typically earns less than $4,000 per week, but some high-level railroad management or specialized roles in the transportation industry can pay that amount or more without requiring a college degree. These positions often rely on extensive experience, technical skills, or certifications rather than formal education. High-paying roles in logistics, transportation, or operations may also reach or exceed this weekly income with relevant experience and skills.

What are yardmasters in the railroad industry?

Yardmasters are railroad employees responsible for overseeing the operations within rail yards. They coordinate the movement, sorting, and assembling of trains and railcars to ensure efficient operations. Yardmasters supervise yard crews, manage schedules, and communicate with train dispatchers to ensure safety and timely departures. Their role is crucial for the smooth functioning of freight and passenger rail services, as they help minimize delays and maintain order within busy rail yards.

What does a train yard master do?

A train yard master oversees the movement and organization of trains and railcars within a rail yard. They coordinate switching operations, ensure safety protocols are followed, and manage personnel to maintain efficient yard operations. Strong communication skills and knowledge of rail procedures are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Yardmaster (Railroad), and why are they important?

To excel as a Yardmaster in the railroad industry, you need a thorough understanding of rail yard operations, logistics coordination, and railroad safety regulations, typically gained through on-the-job training or relevant vocational education. Familiarity with computerized dispatch systems, railcar tracking software, and communication devices is essential. Strong leadership, decision-making, and effective communication skills are crucial for managing teams and ensuring efficient train movements. These skills are vital for maintaining safe, organized, and timely rail yard operations, minimizing delays and preventing accidents.

What is the difference between Yardmaster Railroad vs Switch Operator?

AspectYardmaster RailroadSwitch Operator
CertificationsRailroad safety and operational certificationsRailroad safety and switch operation certifications
Work EnvironmentRail yards, switching areas, and terminal facilitiesRail yards, switching points, and track areas
Employer & IndustryRailroads, freight companies, terminal operatorsRailroads, freight yards, switching companies
Job FocusOverseeing yard operations, managing train movementsOperating switches, directing train movements at switches

The Yardmaster Railroad and Switch Operator roles both work within rail yards and require safety certifications. The Yardmaster Railroad manages overall yard operations and train movements, while the Switch Operator focuses on operating switches to direct train routes. Both roles are essential for efficient rail yard functioning but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Yardmaster Railroad jobs
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Yardmaster Railroad jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yardmaster Railroad job openings in the United States 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 $52,612 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

Rail Inspector (Yardmaster)

USAJOBS - Search

Concord, CA • On-site

$39.52/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

About the Position: Serve as the Rail Inspector (Yardmaster) with responsibility for the control of railway transport and railroad facility conditions.Qualifications:Who May Apply: Only applicants who meet one of the employment authority categories below are eligible to apply for this job. You will be asked to identify which category or categories you meet, and to provide documents which prove you meet the category or categories you selected. See Proof of Eligibility for an extensive list of document requirements for all employment authorities.
  • 30 Percent or More Disabled Veterans
  • Current Department of Army Civilian Employees
  • Current Department of Defense (DOD) Civilian Employee (non-Army)
  • Domestic Defense Industrial Base/Major Range and Test Facilities Base Civilian Personnel Workforce
  • Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan
  • Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act
  • Military Spouses, under Executive Order (E.O.) 13473
  • Non-Department of Defense (DoD) Transfer
  • People with Disabilities, Schedule A
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD MR and NG Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement
  • Priority Placement Program, DoD Retained Grade Preference Eligible
  • Reinstatement
  • Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA) of 1998

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.
Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of an Rail Inspector (Yardmaster) without more than normal supervision. Perform the majority of the duties to move trains, to including spotting, removing, switching, coupling/uncoupling and weighing of cars, and inspection of rail for minor deficiencies. - Failure to meet this Screen Out Element will result in an ineligible rating.
  • Ability to Drive Safely (Motor Vehicles)
  • Ability To Inspect
  • Ability To Interpret Instructions, Specifications, etc. (related to mobile equipment operation)
  • Ability To Operate Safely (Non-Motor Vehicle)
  • Operation of Motor Vehicles
  • Reliability and Dependability as a Rail Inspector (Yardmaster)
  • Work Practices (includes keeping things neat, clean, and in order)
  • Work requires considerable standing and walking while outside checking yard operations and performing visual inspections of tracks. Some light lifting is required.
  • Inside work is done in a moderately lighted and heated building. Outside work involves exposure to all weather extremes, and to loud noise, dust, fumes, and exhaust. Work involves proximity to moving trains and mechanical equipment. Work assignments involve a thorough knowledge of hazardous material handling and related activities. Incumbent is required to successfully complete a variety of hazardous material classes. There is a possibility of exposure to hazardous chemicals and fumes from spills and/or leaks. Incumbent may be required to wear protective clothing (e.g., rubber boots, safety shoes, headgear, coveralls, goggles, aprons, gloves, respirator, etc.).
Education:Employment Type: OTHER

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