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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
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.
Other titles employers use
Conductor · Freight Conductor · Railroad Conductor · Train Master · Trainman · Yardmaster · Passenger Car Conductor · Train Conductor
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
- Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.
- Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
- 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.
- Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and persuading work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Persuading
- Leading, selling, starting projects, or making a case
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Coordination
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Judgment and Decision Making
Subjects to know
- Public Safety and Security
- Transportation
- English Language
- Education and Training
- Law and Government
Useful strengths
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Problem Sensitivity
- Near Vision
- Far Vision
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.5 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 2.5 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.9 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 3.1 | Some of the day |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for a high school diploma. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- High school or less 86%
- A certificate or some college 8%
- A two-year degree 6%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
- Electronic mail software
- Presentation software
- Word processing software
- Industrial control software
- Materials requirements planning logistics and supply chain software
- Inventory management software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 10,040
- Job openings each year
- 110
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 11.8%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 10,040 | 110 | 11.8% |
| Texas | 4,610 | 390 | 10.6% |
| Pennsylvania | 3,340 | 260 | — |
| California | 1,300 | 100 | −7.1% |
| Nebraska | 1,260 | 100 | 3.3% |
| Kansas | 1,140 | 80 | −9.5% |
| New Jersey | 1,140 | 90 | 8.6% |
| Colorado | 1,070 | 90 | 1.9% |
| Missouri | 1,070 | 80 | −3.6% |
| Georgia | 950 | 80 | 10.5% |
| Iowa | 900 | 70 | 1.1% |
| Minnesota | 880 | 70 | 2.3% |
| Ohio | 770 | 60 | −1.3% |
| Washington | 760 | 50 | −3.8% |
| Tennessee | 700 | 50 | −5.4% |
| Mississippi | 660 | 60 | 8.2% |
| North Carolina | 640 | 50 | −1.5% |
| Florida | 610 | 40 | −18.7% |
| Wisconsin | 460 | 30 | −9.8% |
| Wyoming | 450 | 40 | 2.3% |
| South Carolina | 430 | 30 | −2.3% |
| Arizona | 410 | 30 | −8.9% |
| Oklahoma | 410 | 30 | — |
| Michigan | 390 | 30 | −4.9% |
| Oregon | 390 | 30 | 5.4% |
| North Dakota | 330 | 30 | 6.5% |
| Arkansas | 320 | 20 | −17.9% |
| South Dakota | 170 | 10 | — |
| Delaware | 120 | 10 | −7.7% |
| Montana | 100 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Alaska | 60 | 10 | — |
| Louisiana | 50 | 0 | — |
Career to college
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