How to become a railroad conductors and yardmaster

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect usually requires a high school diploma or ged, though some occupations may not..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.

What railroad conductors and yardmasters do

• Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Critical Thinking
• Active Listening
• Reading Comprehension
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Learning Strategies

Is railroad conductors and yardmaster a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 53% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Oklahoma $102,260
• Pennsylvania $83,610
• Maryland $83,390
• Indiana $81,260
• New York $80,000

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.