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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Description

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.

Common Tasks

  • Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
  • Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.
  • Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
  • Keep records of the contents and destination of each train car, and make sure that cars are added or removed at proper points on routes.
  • Operate controls to activate track switches and traffic signals.

Required Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Wages

In 2016 the mean hourly wage in California was $26.82 . The hourly rate for this occupation typically paid between $17.30 and $37.31 .

In 2016 the mean annual salary in California was $55,785.64 . The annual salary for this occupation typically paid between $35,981.53 and $77,606.82 .

Occupation Outlook

This occupation employed 1,700 people in California during 2014.

By 2024, there is expected to be an increase of 5.9% in the number of jobs in California for this occupation, bringing to total number to 1,800.

By 2024, in California, the median hourly rate for this occupation is expected to be $25.00 with the median annual salary reaching $52,709.

Data courtesy of O*NET
O*NET in-it