Railroad Conductors

As is the case with most rail occupations, the daily wage or hourly rate varies with the size of the railroad. Other factors that affect wages are the type of service, number of cars on the train, and the location of the train's run. For example, conductors receive extra pay on trains passing through mountainous regions. Usually, basic wages, as well as fringe benefits, for conductors are guaranteed by union contract.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, median hourly earnings of railroad conductors and yardmasters were $31.73 in May 2019, making a median annual salary $65,990. Wages ranged from less than $22.04 (a full-time salary of $45,850) to more than $47.17 an hour (a full-time salary of $98,110).

Conductors, like other railroad workers, receive a generous benefits package including health and life insurance, paid holidays and vacations, sick leave, and a pension plan. In addition to retirement plans sponsored by unions and railroads, conductors are eligible for Social Security and other government benefits.