Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

SOC code 53-4031 · O*NET-SOC 53-4031.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$78,000

a year

Hourly

$37.50

per hour

10th$58,740Median$78,00090th$109,770

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$79,100

$38.03 per hour

Middle 50%

$65,610 – $83,820

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$58,740 – $109,770

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

46,440

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $58,740; $28.24/hr
25th percentile: $65,610; $31.54/hr
Median percentile: $78,000; $37.50/hr
75th percentile: $83,820; $40.30/hr
90th percentile: $109,770; $52.78/hr

What do railroad conductors and yardmasters do?

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.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
Inspect freight cars for compliance with sealing procedures, and record car numbers and seal numbers.
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.
Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 86% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)86%
Post-Secondary Certificate8%
Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree6%

Common questions

How much does a railroad conductors and yardmasters earn?

The national median is $78,000 a year. The full range runs from $58,740 at the 10th percentile to $109,770 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a railroad conductors and yardmasters without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Speaking3.8/5
Monitoring3.8/5
Critical Thinking3.6/5
Active Listening3.5/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security4.0/5
Transportation4.0/5
English Language3.5/5
Education and Training3.1/5
Law and Government3.0/5
Customer and Personal Service2.9/5
Telecommunications2.9/5
Mechanical2.9/5

Transferable strengths: Coordination, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management, Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Operation and Control.