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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

	Median Wage (USD, 2024)	Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)	Projected Growth (2023-2033)
National Statistics	$74,080	3700	1.9%
State Statistics	-	-	-
City Statistics	-	-	-

Statistics

National

State

City

State

City

$74,080

Median Wage (USD, 2023)

3700

Projected Job Openings (2023-2033)

1.9%

Projected Growth (2023-2033)

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

Experience Requirements Overview

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, a teller would benefit from experience working directly with the public.
These occupations usually require a high school diploma.
Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Education, Training and Experience

Required Level of Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)

Related Work Experience: N.A.

On-Site or In-Plant Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Detailed Work Activities

Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
Record operational details of travel.
Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.
Direct emergency management activities.
Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
Communicate with others to coordinate vehicle movement.
Arrange maintenance activities.
Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
Monitor vehicle movement or location.
Prepare accident or incident reports.
Review work orders or schedules to determine operations or procedures.
Direct passenger or freight transport activities.
Direct maintenance or repair activities.
Record operational details of travel.
Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.
Record operational or production data.
Verify information or specifications.

Work Values

Achievement

Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.

Working Conditions

Recognition

Relationships

Support

Independence

Tasks

Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
Inspect each car periodically during runs.
Review schedules, switching orders, way bills, and shipping records to obtain cargo loading and unloading information and to plan work.
Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
Verify accuracy of timekeeping instruments with engineers to ensure trains depart on time.
Document and prepare reports of accidents, unscheduled stops, or delays.
Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.
Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
Supervise workers in the inspection and maintenance of mechanical equipment to ensure efficient and safe train operation.
Supervise and coordinate crew activities to transport freight and passengers and to provide boarding, porter, maid, and meal services to passengers.
Record departure and arrival times, messages, tickets and revenue collected, and passenger accommodations and destinations.
Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.

Work Styles

Leadership

Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self-Control

Stress Tolerance

Adaptability/Flexibility

Dependability

Attention to Detail

Integrity

Independence

Innovation

Analytical Thinking

Data Source: This page includes information from the O*NET 30.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. This page includes Employment Projections program, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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