Do train conductors make good money?

Salary Ranges for Train Conductors

The salaries of Train Conductors in the US range from $13,808 to $373,999 , with a median salary of $66,833 . The middle 57% of Train Conductors makes between $66,837 and $168,912, with the top 86% making $373,999.

Is a train conductor a hard job?

Modern conductors aren't merely strolling the aisles punching cards being held out by seated passengers. They're self-reliant, hard working laborers, responsible for the coordination and documentation of train and car movement, to include operating track switches and coupling cars.

How many hours does a train conductor work?

Train conductors often work 40 hours a week. Both cargo and passenger trains run at all hours, requiring evening, night, weekend and holiday shifts. Pay adjustments for these periods vary depending on the employer.

Do train conductors do anything?

Job Summary:

The Railroad Conductor will coordinate the daily activity of the train and train crew, ensuring the timely operation of the train and the safety of all passengers.

Do conductors sleep on trains?

Two decades after federal officials identified fatigue as a top safety concern, the problem continues to haunt the railroad industry, especially the largest carriers responsible for moving the vast majority of the nation's rail-borne freight. “Engineers and conductors sleep on trains.

How Much Do Railroad Conductors Make In 2021

Do train conductors carry guns?

Don't count on train conductors making up time

Each section of a track has its own speed limit, and just like on the road with cars, there are patrollers with radar guns to make sure the crew is obeying all the rules.

How long does it take to become a train conductor?

Some train companies require new conductors to complete a 5-6 week training program--often offered through a community college or technical school. These programs often lead to a certificate in railroad conductor technology.

Do train conductors go to school?

Education, Training, & Certification

A railroad conductor's job requires a high school diploma, on-the-job training, and in some circumstances, certification. Training: Some lines send prospective railroad conductors to a six-week training program before assigning them to some additional form of training.

Does a train conductor drive the train?

What Does A Locomotive Engineer and Railroad Conductor Do? Locomotive engineers drive passenger and freight trains, while conductors manage the activities of the crew and passengers on the train. Conductors may take payments or tickets from passengers and assist them when they have any difficulties.

Are there female train conductors?

There are over 37,339 Train Conductors currently employed in the United States. 16.4% of all Train Conductors are women, while 83.6% are men. The average age of an employed Train Conductor is 41 years old.

Are train conductors always on call?

He's pretty much always on-call and has to be ready to get on a train at the sounding of a whistle (or ringing of a phone). Since railroad employees can only work eight hours before they need a mandatory eight-hour rest, train crews often de-train in random towns and get nearby railroad employees to take over.

Why do you want to become a railway conductor?

Why they do it: Train conductors enjoy working independently, outdoors and in a non-traditional working environment. The job also provides a number of opportunities to advance beyond entry-level positions, and provides a competitive, stable salary as well as union benefits from day one.

How do train engineers use the bathroom?

Other than a refrigerator/watercooler and a bathroom there are almost zero ammenities on a locomotive. Only way a engineer can go to bathroom is by stopping his train or if the conductor is a certified engineer he could run for while.

Which railroad pays the most?

"BNSF is easily the highest paid railroad... our guarantee rates of pay rank above any other class 1 railroad.

Do train conductors wear uniforms?

For more than 100 years, traditional railroad conductor uniforms have been navy blue, and when Amtrak was established in 1971 the company honored the tradition by drawing on the same color scheme as the railroads before it. For our conductors on the trains, the hat is a key component.

Do you steer a train?

Thus, the direction of the locomotive makes no difference to efficiency or safety. "You wouldn't drive your vehicle in reverse because it would be very hard to steer," Jacobs said. "Well, with the trains, there is no steering wheel. They're on those rails so the rail is the only direction of travel they can go in."

Why are train conductors called engineers?

Although it sounds odd to British ears today, train drivers were for some time known as engineers in 19th Century Britain. The original meaning of engineer, as someone who designed or built engines or other machinery, goes back to the 1300s and has held to this day in both the UK and the US.

How many conductors are on a train?

Most freight trains on most railroads today have a crew of two: one engineer and one conductor.

How long does it take to become a train engineer?

To become a railroad engineer, you will need a high school diploma or equivalent and 1-3 months of on the job training with specialized equipment, classroom instruction and periodic continuing education and training. You must receive railroad engineer certification from the Federal Railroad Administration.

What's the difference between train conductor and engineer?

What is the difference between a train engineer and a train conductor? A train engineer is responsible for operating a train and driving it from one destination to the next. Tran conductors, on the other hand, work on the ground and are responsible for assisting the train engineer with whatever they need.

How do you get a job as a conductor?

Conductors need, at the minimum, a bachelor's degree in arts (BA), although many professional positions require a master's (MA). Fortunately, there are a variety of music majors and minors to choose from, including conducting, in a number of universities.

Do train conductors get commission?

At present a Conductor gets a small commission on any tickets sold ( 5% ). Under the new role, commission will only be paid on full priced tickets sold.

How old do you need to be to be a train conductor?

The minimum age for this job is 18 years, and most companies look for people who have experience in other customer service work. It may be possible to start work with a TOC at a younger age as a member of station staff and apply for the job of conductor at a later date.

What skills are required to be a train conductor?

Railroad conductors should have strong mechanical, clerical and customer service skills. Good speaking, organizational and decision-making abilities are also vital. Interpersonal skills are important since railroad conductors work closely with train crews, engineers, supervisors, passengers and yard crews.