Train Conductor Jobs
Train Conductor jobs are open across freight rail, passenger transit, and commuter rail at every level from entry-level to senior conductor, with specializations in locomotive operation, yard switching, and over-the-road freight. Find a role that fits from the openings below and apply directly.
Find Train Conductor JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 12+ Train Conductor jobs
Date: Jun 3, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60617 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60633 Chicago, IL, US, 60629 Chicago, IL, US, 60629 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60633 Chicago, IL, US, 60637 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60617-6455 Chicago, IL, US, 60617 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60617-6455 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60637 Chicago, IL, US, 60609
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
INTRODUCTION
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You’ll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required—we provide all the training you need to succeed.
What You Should Know
- This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment.
- You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes’ notice.
- Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly.
- You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.
TRAINING
On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location.
To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
- Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars.
- Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
- Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Additional information about roles and responsibilities are detailed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\=-ZdUABU2g_k
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
- Ability to report to work within 90 minutes.
- Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident.
- Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident.
- Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
- Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED
- Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
- Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
-
Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to:
-
Hang Test
- Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
- Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
-
Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
- Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
- Color vision—ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted).
- Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
WORK CONDITIONS
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be available for call 24/7.
- This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour.
- First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000.
- Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000.
- Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment.
- After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility.
- Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.
VACATION ELIGIBILITY
Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation
- 1 yr. – 1 wk.
- 2 yrs – 2 wks.
- 8 yrs. – 3 wks.
- 17 yrs. – 4 wks.
-
25 yrs. – 5 wks.
-
must meet qualifying days minimum
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.
At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.
Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.
Date: Jun 3, 2026
Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60617 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60633 Chicago, IL, US, 60629 Chicago, IL, US, 60629 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60633 Chicago, IL, US, 60637 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60617-6455 Chicago, IL, US, 60617 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60617-6455 Chicago, IL, US, 60609 Chicago, IL, US, 60637 Chicago, IL, US, 60609
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
INTRODUCTION
At Norfolk Southern, we believe that our people power progress. Our culture is built on our SPIRIT values—Safety, Performance, Integrity, Respect, Innovation, and Teamwork—which guide how we work, lead, and grow together. If you're ready to be part of a dynamic team and contribute to one of the nation’s premier transportation companies, we invite you to explore the conductor role.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Conductors are responsible for the safe and efficient movement of freight trains. This includes building trains by coupling railcars, delivering railcars to customers, transporting trains across long distances, and managing electronic documentation and inspections. You’ll be trained to troubleshoot train issues, report incidents, and ensure compliance with safety procedures. No prior railroad experience is required—we provide all the training you need to succeed.
What You Should Know
- This is a seniority-based job. You'll start out on the extra board, filling in where needed, until you build enough seniority to bid on a regular assignment.
- You must be available to work on-call, 24/7, with as little as 90 minutes’ notice.
- Expect to spend 2-3 days away from home weekly.
- You will be required to join a union within 60 days after completing training.
TRAINING
On the job training lasts about 20 weeks, depending on the complexity of your assigned location, this training can go beyond 20 weeks. Training includes classroom instruction, field training, and on-the-job experience. The first 5 weeks take place at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. During this time, the company provides hotel accommodations, weekly meal stipends, and travel reimbursement from your hire location. The remaining weeks of training will be completed at your assigned location.
To successfully complete the program and earn your promotion and certification, you must pass all classroom, field, and on-the-job requirements. This includes written exams and field evaluations covering physical characteristics, operating rules, safety, hazmat, and signal rules.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Build and inspect trains, railcars, and equipment for safe operation.
- Operate remote control locomotives and perform tasks such as coupling, aligning drawbars, applying hand brakes, and riding railcars.
- Communicate effectively with crews, dispatchers, and yard controllers.
- Maintain accurate documentation and comply with all FRA and company safety regulations.
- Perform additional duties as assigned.
- Additional information about roles and responsibilities are detailed in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v\=-ZdUABU2g_k
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED
- Must be 18 years or older.
- Must hold a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
- Ability to report to work within 90 minutes.
- Clean driving record in the past 36 months, without any suspension, revocation, cancellation, or denial of your driver's license resulting from a drug or alcohol-related incident.
- Must not have been involved in diversion or probation or pleaded guilty to a drug or alcohol-related driving incident.
- Must not have refused to undergo a drug or alcohol test related to the operation of a motor vehicle.
- Must pass pre-employment Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) drug and alcohol screening.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
QUALIFICATIONS – PREFERRED
- Experience working outdoors in various weather conditions.
- Experience with heavy equipment or in physically demanding roles.
- Experience working non-traditional shifts, on call, and/or 12+ hour shifts.
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL JOB REQUIREMENTS
- Ability to lift and carry up to 85 lbs.
-
Must pass physical standards which may include but are not limited to:
-
Hang Test
- Ability to hang from a rail car ladder with 3 points of contact (2 feet & 1 hand) for 1 minute 15 seconds per side.
- Ability to walk up to several miles per shift on uneven terrain.
-
Ability to meet FRA medical requirements:
- Visual acuity (at least 20/40 in each eye separately and both together with or without corrective lenses).
- Color vision—ability to pass specific FRA color vision tests (lenses used to improve color vision are not permitted).
- Hearing—no hearing loss greater than 40B average, at 500, 1000, and 2000 in better ear (can be met with hearing aid).
WORK CONDITIONS
- Work outdoors in all weather conditions.
- Irregular schedules, including on-call, nights, weekends, and holidays.
- Must be available for call 24/7.
- This is a safety-sensitive position requiring constant alertness while working around heavy, moving, potentially hazardous locomotive engines.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
- Conductor Trainees earn a minimum of $240 per shift during on-the-job training, with overtime at $30/hour.
- First-year conductors average $70,000 annually; experienced conductors average $84,000.
- Locomotive engineers earn a guaranteed minimum of $94,000, with potential to exceed $100,000.
- Medical insurance for employees and eligible dependents begins the second calendar month of employment.
- After one year: dental, life insurance, and 401(k) eligibility.
- Covered under Railroad Retirement benefits and taxes.
VACATION ELIGIBILITY
Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation
- 1 yr. – 1 wk.
- 2 yrs – 2 wks.
- 8 yrs. – 3 wks.
- 17 yrs. – 4 wks.
-
25 yrs. – 5 wks.
-
must meet qualifying days minimum
COMPANY OVERVIEW
Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.
At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.
Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.
See All Train Conductor Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any train conductor role that fits.
Find Train Conductor JobsTrain Conductor Job Market
A snapshot from current openings nationwide, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Norfolk Southern12
Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics12
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in train conductor jobs.
- Valid FRA conductor certification or eligibility to obtain one
- High school diploma or equivalent required by most carriers
- Experience operating diesel-electric locomotives or qualifying rolling stock
- Ability to pass FRA-mandated drug and alcohol screening
- Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules or carrier-specific rulebook
- Valid driver's license and willingness to work rotating shifts including nights and weekends
Tips for Your Train Conductor Job Search
Tailor your resume to rail operations
Highlight your FRA certification, radio communication experience, and any specific locomotive classes you've operated. Generic transportation resumes get filtered out fast, so lead with your hours logged and any safety record details your previous employer documented.
Target union versus non-union openings separately
BNSF, Union Pacific, and Amtrak roles often come with SMART-TD or BLET collective bargaining, while short-line and regional carriers may not. Your salary expectations, seniority system, and benefits package differ significantly between the two, so know which you're targeting before you apply.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists train conductor openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Highlight your conductor certification prominently
Your FRA-compliant conductor certification and any Rule G compliance training should appear in a dedicated certifications section near the top of your resume, not buried under education. Hiring managers in rail screen for these before reading anything else.
Prepare operational scenario answers for interviews
Rail interviewers routinely ask how you'd handle a hot box detection alert, a schedule conflict with a slow-order segment, or a crew communication breakdown. Walk through your decision-making process step by step, referencing GCOR or your carrier's operating rules by name.
Follow up after your hiring event or panel
Class I carriers often hire through multi-day assessment events, and decisions can take several weeks. Send a brief follow-up to your recruiter within three business days referencing the specific dates you attended. It signals professionalism and keeps your name current during the review cycle.
Train Conductor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
How many train conductor jobs are remote?
About 0% of train conductor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of June 2026, reflecting that most conductor roles require physical presence on the locomotive or in the yard. The sub-areas most likely to allow remote work are training and simulation roles, scheduling coordination, and some dispatch-adjacent conductor supervisory positions.
How do you become a train conductor?
You typically need a high school diploma, a clean driving record, and the ability to pass a physical and drug screening before a carrier will consider you. Most Class I railroads run paid conductor training programs lasting several weeks to a few months, covering operating rules, radio protocols, and hands-on locomotive operation. Completing that program and passing your FRA conductor certification exam is the standard path to qualifying.
Can you get hired as a train conductor with no experience?
Yes, many railroads hire candidates with no direct rail experience and train them from scratch through their own conductor apprenticeship programs. What they screen for at entry level is reliability, a clean background check, the physical ability to work outdoors in variable conditions, and strong attention to safety procedures. Prior experience in transportation, logistics, or military service is a common differentiator among entry-level applicants.
What does the train conductor interview process look like?
Most Class I carriers run a multi-stage process that starts with an online application and assessment, followed by a phone screen focusing on availability and background. In-person stages typically include a panel interview with operations supervisors, a physical ability test, and a drug and alcohol screening. Some carriers host hiring events where all stages happen over one or two days, and a conditional offer follows before formal training begins.
Where can I find and apply to train conductor jobs?
You can find and apply to train conductor jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings for roles that match your certification level, preferred region, and carrier type, then apply directly to each opening that fits.
See All Train Conductor Jobs
Jump back to the full list of openings and apply to any train conductor role that fits.
Find Train Conductor Jobs