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For Educators: Military Resources

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Median Salary
71,130
Job Outlook
+2%

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

80%

State and local government

12%

Federal Government

4%

Private not for profit

2%

Self-employed

1%

What is the job outlook?

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$49,530

10%

$71,130

Median

$84,010

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • High school

    85%

  • Post-secondary certificate

    8%

  • Associate's degree

    6%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Railroad and Railway Transportation

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Leadership

    High

  • Verbal Skills

    Mid

  • Math and Science Skills

    Mid

  • Technology Design and Control

    Mid

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Mid

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    Mid

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Transportation
  • Public Safety and Security
  • Education and Training
  • Mechanical
  • Customer and Personal Service

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    High

  • Repetitiveness

    High

  • Responsibility

    High

  • Decision Making

    High

  • Physical Activity

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Level Of Competition

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

Enterprising

You love taking risks in business or personal projects — and have the leadership skills to back it up.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.