Railroad conductors and yardmasters
SOC Code: 53-4031Also known as:
Car Chaser, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Spotter, Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator)
Median Annual Salary
$74,080
+1.1% growth (2024-2034)
3K
Openings/Year
37K
Current Jobs
What Railroad conductors and yardmasters Do
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.
💰 Salary
$74,080
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+1.1%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
3K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
36,800
Projected Employment (2034)
37,200
Related Careers
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance
$48,880 •
-0.9% growth
Locomotive engineers
$77,400 •
+0.7% growth
Rail yard engineers, dinkey operators, and hostlers
$58,030 •
+0.3% growth
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
$65,480 •
+1.0% growth
Subway and streetcar operators
$84,830 •
+3.4% growth
Top Skills Required
Speaking
Monitoring
Coordination
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
- Arrange for the removal of defective cars from trains at stations or stops.
- Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
- Inspect each car periodically during runs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Railroad conductors and yardmasters
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a railroad conductors and yardmasters:
Railroad and Railway Transportation
78 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Railroad conductors and yardmasters
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become railroad conductors and yardmasters.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 78 | C |
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do railroad conductors and yardmasters make?
The median annual salary for railroad conductors and yardmasters is $74,080.
What education do railroad conductors and yardmasters need?
Most railroad conductors and yardmasters positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Railroad and Railway Transportation.
Is becoming railroad conductors and yardmasters a good career choice?
Railroad conductors and yardmasters is projected to see +1.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 3,100 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for railroad conductors and yardmasters?
Top colleges for aspiring railroad conductors and yardmasters include
Johnson County Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to railroad conductors and yardmasters?
Railroad conductors and yardmasters may also be known as: Car Chaser, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Spotter, Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator), Conductor, Dispatch Manager, Engine Supervisor, Freight Conductor, Freight Trainperson, Motor Boss, Outbound Manager, Outbound Operator, Outbound Supervisor, Passenger Car Conductor, Passenger Conductor, Pullman Conductor, Railroad Conductor, Railroad Dispatcher, Road Conductor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.