Railroad Conductor

Railroad conductors coordinate train crew activities, oversee freight and passenger operations, manage switching in rail yards, and ensure compliance with Federal Railroad Administration safety regulations. They communicate with dispatchers, inspect rolling stock, and handle emergency procedures. The BLS reports a median salary of $69,180 with 1% projected growth. The role offers strong union benefits, though irregular schedules and on-call requirements are standard.

A Day in the Life

A typical day starts with a call from the crew dispatcher assigning a train. The conductor reviews the consist (list of cars), checks air brakes and couplings during a safety inspection, and communicates readiness to the engineer. During the run, they monitor track conditions, manage radio communications, and handle any en-route switching. At intermediate stops, the conductor may pick up or set out cars, reconfigure the train, and verify waybill documentation before continuing to the final terminal.

Key Stats

Required Skills