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.
How to read this profile
BLS projects U.S. employment for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters to increase by 0.9% between 2024 and 2034, from 38,900 to 39,200 jobs. Its estimate of 3,000 annual openings includes replacement needs, so it does not represent current vacancies, contract postings, or freelance demand. The wage ($78,000), education (High school diploma or equivalent), and related experience (None) figures on this profile describe typical U.S. employees. O*NET skills describe the occupation; they do not assess an individual worker's proficiency.
Base employment (2024)
38,900
Projected employment (2034)
39,200
Projected change (2024–2034)
1%
Annual openings (projected average)
3,000
Pay & Preparation
$78,000
High school diploma or equivalent
None
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Essential Skills
Monitoring (3.75/5) • Coordination (3.75/5) • Speaking (3.75/5) • Critical Thinking (3.62/5) • Active Listening (3.5/5) • Judgment and Decision Making (3.5/5)
O*NET describes occupational requirements; these ratings do not measure current job-posting frequency or an individual worker’s proficiency.
BLS projections are long-term estimates; annual openings include growth and replacement needs and are not current vacancies.
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