SOC 534031
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.
National Median
$74,080
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$74,080
Entry Level (10th pct)
$53,490
Experienced (90th pct)
$103,350
Total Employed
42,710
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $53,490 - $63,480 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $63,480 - $82,060 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $82,060 - $103,350 |
Highest Paying Locations for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 41 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $85,560 | 110 | |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $83,200 | 80 | |
| Indiana | $82,460 | 1,670 | |
| Florida | $82,060 | 1,250 | |
| Delaware | $80,970 | N/A | |
| Pennsylvania | $79,180 | 2,580 | |
| Maryland | $78,190 | 280 | |
| New York | $78,050 | 6,740 | |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $78,050 | 3,860 | |
| Nebraska | $77,330 | 1,210 | |
| Virginia | $76,720 | N/A | |
| Iowa | $76,640 | 1,080 | |
| Oklahoma | $76,040 | 360 | |
| Montana | $75,990 | 120 | |
| Illinois | $75,970 | 2,570 | |
| Arizona | $74,160 | 400 | |
| Michigan | $73,780 | 660 | |
| South Carolina | $72,520 | 180 | |
| Minnesota | $71,930 | 590 | |
| Idaho | $70,210 | 290 | |
| Colorado | $70,000 | 400 | |
| New Mexico | $69,460 | 380 | |
| Wisconsin | $67,670 | 410 | |
| Texas | $67,580 | 4,340 | |
| California | $67,550 | 1,390 | |
| Oregon | $66,910 | 410 | |
| Wyoming | $66,760 | N/A | |
| Missouri | $66,370 | 590 | |
| Arkansas | $66,070 | 530 | |
| Kansas | $65,940 | 1,300 | |
| New Hampshire | $62,160 | 60 | |
| West Virginia | $62,120 | 340 | |
| Georgia | $61,920 | 1,370 | |
| Tennessee | $61,890 | 730 | |
| Washington | $61,860 | 1,020 | |
| South Dakota | $61,860 | 110 | |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | $58,280 | 50 | |
| North Carolina | $55,880 | 500 | |
| Ohio | $53,490 | 890 | |
| Kentucky | $51,570 | 130 | |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $46,380 | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median annual salary for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $74,080, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasterss earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasterss is Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, with a median salary of $85,560.
How much can an experienced Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make?
Top-earning Railroad Conductors and Yardmasterss (90th percentile) make $103,350 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.