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Yardmaster Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

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Yardmaster information

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$9

$24

$47

How much do yardmaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for yardmaster in Ohio is $24.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.36 and $39.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a yardmaster?

Yardmasters are railway employees responsible for managing the operations within rail yards. They coordinate the movement of trains and railcars, oversee the assembling and disassembling of trains, and ensure that cargo is properly routed and handled efficiently. Yardmasters supervise yard crews, manage schedules, and are essential for maintaining the safe and timely flow of rail traffic. Their role is critical in preventing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of rail transport.

What does a yardmaster do?

As a yardmaster, your job is to manage a specific rail yard and keep an eye on every railroad in your assigned area. On a typical day, your job includes ensuring each rail car is connected to the correct transport, that trains route in a way that keeps traffic moving, and that the daily operations of your facility continue smoothly. Yardmasters have a significant amount of control over trains in their territory, and you can tell trains to report to a specific area as needed. You also supervise repair work by other employees of your hard. This is primarily a supervisor position, so management skills are vital.

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

To thrive as a Yardmaster, you need comprehensive knowledge of railroad operations, logistics coordination, and a high school diploma or equivalent, often supplemented by on-the-job training. Familiarity with rail yard management software, radio communication systems, and safety protocols is typically required. Strong leadership, decision-making, and communication skills help Yardmasters effectively coordinate crews and manage dynamic schedules. These abilities are crucial for ensuring smooth rail operations, minimizing delays, and maintaining safety standards in a complex and fast-paced environment.

What are some common challenges yardmasters face when coordinating rail yard operations?

Yardmasters often encounter challenges such as managing tight schedules, ensuring safe and efficient movement of trains, and resolving unexpected delays or equipment issues. They must juggle multiple priorities, coordinate with train crews, dispatchers, and maintenance staff, and quickly adapt to changing situations. Staying organized and communicating clearly are key to overcoming these challenges and maintaining smooth yard operations.

What is the difference between Yardmaster vs Switcher?

AspectYardmasterSwitcher
CredentialsTypically requires experience in rail operations, safety certificationsOften requires similar safety training, some roles need rail or equipment certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervises yard operations, manages train movements, oversees safetyOperates and moves rail cars within yards, assists in train assembly
Industry UsageCommonly employed in rail yards, freight companiesFound in rail yards, switching facilities, freight terminals

The Yardmaster and Switcher roles both operate within rail yards and require safety certifications. The Yardmaster oversees yard operations and manages train movements, while the Switcher primarily moves rail cars within the yard to assemble trains. Both roles are essential for efficient yard management but differ in responsibility scope and supervision level.

How much do yardmasters make?

Yardmasters typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $70,000, depending on experience, location, and the size of the rail yard. They oversee train movements, coordinate logistics, and ensure safety protocols are followed, often working in shifts that include nights and weekends.
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What are popular job titles related to Yardmaster jobs in Ohio?

For Yardmaster jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Yardmaster jobs in Ohio look for?

The top searched job categories for Yardmaster jobs in Ohio are:

What are popular job titles related to Yardmaster jobs in OH?

For Yardmaster jobs in OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Yardmaster jobs near you
Infographic showing various Yardmaster job openings in Ohio 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 $50,018 per year, or $24 per hour.

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway | Brakemen/Conductors - East & West Ends (WLE-0079)

transtar

Connellsville, PA • On-site

$100/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway (W&LE) is one of the largest regional railroads in the United States and the largest in Ohio, operating 840 miles of track across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.  W&LE runs 98 locomotives, moves more than 140,000 carloads annually, and supports operations through seven major rail yards and a 120,000 square foot locomotive and car repair facility. The railroad serves over 110 customers through a diverse fleet of 1,400 owned or leased railcars and hauls a wide range of commodities including steel, petroleum products, aggregates, chemicals, coal, lumber, paper, and plastics. With connections to three Class I railroads, Canadian National, CSX, and Norfolk Southern, and fourteen regional and short line partners, W&LE offers flexible routing and competitive service options.

Founded in 1871 and headquartered in Brewster, Ohio since 1913, the company continues its long legacy with seven day a week interchange operations and 24/7 customer support, delivering dependable, efficient service rooted in both regional heritage and modern capability.

 

We are seeking dedicated individuals to train as Brakemen/Conductors.

 

Duties/Responsibilities

Specific functions of the Brakeman/Conductor include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Obtaining information from the dispatcher, yardmaster, or other personnel in person, in writing, or by communication devices including radio and telephone
  • Observe, interpret, and relay hand and lantern signals, and they use radio communication
  • Operate track switches and derails in order to change the route of trains within yards or on the road
  • Frequently climb ladders on freight cars, operate hand brakes, couple and uncouple air hoses, inspect freight cars, and observe and monitor track conditions
  • Get on and off equipment
  • Ride moving cars by hanging on grab irons or ladders, sometimes for extended periods of time
  • Judge and control the speed and clearance distance of cars
  • Prepare required reports and read and interpret work orders and instructions
  • Employees must be also able to sit for extended periods of time, reach overhead to lift objects, and meet hearing and vision acuity standards

Working Conditions

  • Work safely at all times in compliance with all safety and operating rules
  • Outdoors in all types of weather for many hours at a time
  • Walk on uneven and irregular surfaces for long distances
  • Able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 85 pounds

Compensation

  • Current Contractual Hourly Rates:
    • Brakeman:  $24.17/hour
    • Conductor $26.61/hour
    • Engineer:  $28.98/hour
  • $100/week supplemental compensation
  • Employee Profit-Sharing Program, eligible after 90-days of employment

Brakeman/Conductor Training

  • Classroom training
  • 240 hrs. of on-the-job training
  • After completion brakeman training, individuals are promoted to conductor
  • Conductors are the primary source from which W&LE selects candidates for future Engineer training

Shift/Hours

  • Full-time (40 hrs/wk)
  • Guaranteed 40 hrs./wk. extra board
  • Variable and irregular work hours with irregularly scheduled days off
  • Employees work weekdays, weekends and holidays on an “on call” basis, 24 hours a day

Travel

  • Travel is required
  • Must be willing and able to work any hours at any location on the railroad in OH and PA.
  • Current on-duty locations include Brewster, OH; Canton, OH; Akron, OH; Jewett, OH; Mingo Jct., OH; Medina, OH; Willard, OH; Spencer, OH; Norwalk, OH; Carey, OH; and Pittsburgh, PA. Employees may be away from home for days at a time
  • Must be able to report to work two hours after notification
  • May have to drive long distances to get to work; this travel is at the employee’s own expense. To see a map of our railroad, visit www.wlerwy.com

Probationary Period

  • 120 days

Union

  • Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainman (BLET)
  • Dues required per collective bargaining agreement

Train Engineer Promotion

  • Employees must accept promotion to the position of Locomotive Engineer
  • Overtime work is required

Education

  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Benefits

  • Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway Company provides a comprehensive benefit package including excellent medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, railroad retirement, 401(k) plan, profit sharing, paid holidays, paid vacation, paid personal leave, and college scholarships for dependents

Drug Free Workplace

  • W&LE is a drug-free workplace and maintains a zero tolerance policy
  • Employees are subject to pre-employment and frequent drug and alcohol testing
  • A DUI or OVI conviction within the last three years may disqualify you from consideration for this position
  • All positions require pre-employment background verification, physical, and drug/alcohol screen

Location

  • West End:  Plymouth, Greenwich, Spencer, Sycamore, Ashland, and Norwalk, OH
  • East End:  Pittsburgh/Carnegie corridor towards Connellsville

Apply