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Railroad Conductor salary
Railroad conductors coordinate the activities of train crews and manage freight and passenger operations.
Median annual
$72,000
Median hourly
$35
Top 10% earn
$96,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$54,000
Median$72,000
Top 10%$96,000
Railroad Conductor salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $59,800 | $29 | -17% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $66,600 | $32 | -7% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $75,100 | $36 | +4% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $86,300 | $42 | +20% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified railroad conductors, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
High school diploma plus employer training program.
Job outlook
2% growth through 2033 — freight rail remains steady.
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