Career: Railroad Conductors
“All aboard!” Whether her train transports coal or people, the conductor is at the center of activity. She talks to dispatchers and engineers about track conditions, oversees porters and maids, and checks schedules. In short, she does whatever it takes to make sure that the trip goes smoothly.
Railroad conductors coordinate all activities of freight and passenger trains.
Did You Know?
- While many railroad conductors now hold degrees in railroad operations, it’s hard to get the job without plenty of experience as a rail yard worker.
Are You Ready To...?
- Take tickets
- Answer passenger questions about everything from the train’s speed to the location of the bathroom
- Handle complaints and resolve disputes
- Oversee the addition and removal of cars at each stop
- Supervise porters and maids
- Review schedules and shipping records
- Discuss track delays and alternative train routes with the engineer
It Helps to Be...
Interested in others. You’ll be working closely with engineers, dispatchers, crew, and railroad workers, but you’ll also be the railway’s main contact with the public -- you’ll have the chance to make a lasting, positive impression.
Make High School Count
- Build communication skills in English, speech, and drama.
- Take classes in electronics, shop, and computers.
- Do your best in all your classes and make sure you earn a diploma -- you’ll need it to qualify for rail work.
Did You Know?
- Since 9/11, security has become a new concern for railroad conductors, who on Amtrak have started random checks of passenger IDs.
Outlook
Government economists expect jobs for conductors to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Because of rising fuel costs and highway traffic, more companies are using the railroads for shipping freight instead of cars and trucks. That means more work for conductors. Additional job openings should arise as large numbers retire in the coming years.
Compensation
The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average yearly salary in 2007 for railroad conductors and yardmasters was $61,480.
