⭐ Transportation ↑ 5% growth · Average

Train Conductor / Railroad Worker

Train conductors oversee train crews, coordinate freight or passenger operations, and ensure safe rail movements — a steady government or union career with solid pay and excellent retirement benefits. Rail infrastructure investment is expanding job opportunities in passenger rail across the US.

$70,600 Median Salary
34K US Jobs
3–12 months Training
$0 (employer-paid) Typical Cost
Get Free Program Info → Find Schools

💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry Level
$48,000
Median
$70,600
Experienced
$98,000
Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

5%
Projected Growth (10yr)
Average
34K
Total US Jobs
Active positions nationwide
Federal Railroad Administration
Required Credential
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Certification

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program
Railroad Company Training Program
Program Length
3–12 months
Typical Tuition
$0 (employer-paid)
Work Setting
Freight railroads (CSX, BNSF, UP), Amtrak, commuter rail
🏆 Credential Required: Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Certification

☀️ Day in the Life

A typical day as a Train Conductor / Railroad Worker involves working closely with clients and colleagues in a Freight railroads (CSX environment. You'll apply your training daily while building expertise and advancing your career.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • ✅ Strong job security
  • ✅ Rewarding work
  • ✅ Clear career progression
  • ✅ Growing demand

Challenges

  • ⚠️ Can be physically demanding
  • ⚠️ May require ongoing certification
  • ⚠️ Entry-level wages vary by region

🗺️ Train Conductor / Railroad Worker by State

See local salary data, licensing requirements, and schools in your state:

FL FloridaGA GeorgiaTX TexasCA CaliforniaNY New YorkNC North CarolinaIL IllinoisOH OhioPA PennsylvaniaAZ ArizonaAL AlabamaAR ArkansasLA LouisianaMS MississippiSC South CarolinaTN TennesseeVA VirginiaWV West VirginiaKY KentuckyMD MarylandDE DelawareNJ New JerseyCT ConnecticutMA MassachusettsRI Rhode IslandNH New HampshireVT VermontME MaineMI MichiganIN IndianaWI WisconsinMN MinnesotaIA IowaMO MissouriND North DakotaSD South DakotaNE NebraskaKS KansasOK OklahomaCO ColoradoMT MontanaWY WyomingID IdahoUT UtahNV NevadaNM New MexicoWA WashingtonOR OregonAK AlaskaHI HawaiiDC Washington DC