Railroad Conductor
Quick Facts
Median Salary$61,684
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+23.67%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Railroad Conductor organizes and oversees operations on passenger and cargo trains. Monitors the train schedule, keeps records, collects tickets, manages transport of passengers and cargo, and works with train operators and engineers.
Core 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.
- Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- 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.
- Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
- Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
- 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.
What to expect as a Railroad Conductor
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
46% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Railroad Conductor related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
401 openings for Railroad Conductors
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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