Train Conductor Jobs
Train Conductor jobs are open across freight rail, passenger rail, and commuter transit, from entry-level trainee to senior conductor and road foreman, with specializations in freight operations, passenger service, and yard switching. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Conductor - Washington Eastern Railroad
Position Summary
The conductor/engineer position will be to control and coordinate the train movements while switching railcars whether in the yard of a railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate the unloading and loading of railcars in a safe and efficient manner to service our customers. This position is a manual labor position which requires that the individual become proficient in the following skills, duties, and requirements within a prescribed training and introductory period.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Demonstrate predictable, reliable, and timely attendance.
- Follow written and verbal directions to complete assigned tasks on schedule.
- Read, write, and communicate in English & understand basic math.
- Learn from directions, observations, and mistakes and apply procedures using good judgment
- Inspects locomotive before run to verify specified fuel, sand, water, and all FRA requirements.
- Reads switching orders from designated person.
- Observes radio and hand signals in yard or in cab and operates locomotive in accordance with railroad rules and regulations.
- Observes arm or lantern signal and moves controls to move locomotive backwards or forwards to switch and couple cars; or receives starting signal and moves control; such as throttle and air brakes to operate locomotive.
- Reads and interprets wayside signals, track warrants and bulletins, and railroad rules and regulations to operate locomotive, following safety rules and regulations and time schedule.
- Talks to crew or other yard workers via radio to give or receive switching information.
- Confers with train dispatcher via radio to issue or receive information or instructions concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.
- May assist workers to throw switches or perform other activities involved when performing switching operations.
- Turns hand brake wheel or ratchet type brake and tie handbrakes.
- Observes track to detect obstructions.
- Inspects locomotive after run to detect damaged or defective equipment.
- Maintains records, number, origin, destination, and cargo of cars switched.
- May coordinate activities of switching crew from locomotive cab, caboose, or control tower.
- Raises coupling lever to couple or uncouple cars.
- Throws track switches to facilitate shunting of cars and signals Engineer to move cars, using lantern, arm signals or radio.
- Climbs ladder to top of car, rides atop cars, and turns hand wheel to set brakes or to control the speed of the car when it has been shunted.
- Connects air hose to cars when making up trains by bending and applying force.
- May walk along tops of cars and peer down between them to inspect couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes.
- May set warning signals, such as flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes at front of and at rear of train during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
- Sits or rides in cab of locomotive to observe signals from other crew members.
- May make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and journal boxes, and report any equipment requiring major repairs.
- Performs other duties as requested or required
Requirements and Experience:
- High school education or general education development (GED).
- Must have or have had 49CFR242 and/or 49CFR240 qualifications
- At least 1-year job-related experience; or equivalent of education and experience.
- Ability to pass training and required testing.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Must have the ability to apply common sense and understanding to carry out written and oral instructions.
- Must have the ability to write legibly.
- Must be able to perform duties that require heavy lifting.
- Must be willing to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
- Must be able to have a flexible work schedule.
- Must have the ability to recognize problems.
- Must have knowledge of Roadway Protection Rules.
- Must have a broad understanding of railroad operations.
Work Environment:
- The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those a team member encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- The team member is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions and elements, noise, and fumes from gas, oil, and grease.
Machines, Tools, Special Equipment, Personal Protective Equipment Used:
- Hammers, ratchets, chisel, pry bar, wrenches, and brushes.
- PPE; hard hat, vest, safety glasses, FR clothing, gloves, steel toed boots
Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by team members assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $28.00 - $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
- FRA 240/242 Certifications (Required)
Work Location: In person
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Find Train Conductor JobsTrain Conductor Job Market
Who's Hiring
- Norfolk Southern12

- CPKC10

- Paducah & Louisville Railway2P
- Jaguar Transport Holdings2

- The RVA Express1T
Top Industries Hiring
- Transportation & Logistics
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in train conductor jobs.
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) conductor certification or eligibility to obtain one
- High school diploma or GED equivalent required by most railroads
- One to three years of railroad operations or brakeman experience preferred
- Knowledge of general code of operating rules (GCOR) or carrier-specific operating rules
- Valid commercial driver's license (CDL) required for some combined road and yard roles
- Ability to pass a drug and alcohol screening and background check
Tips for Your Train Conductor Job Search
Highlight your railroad certifications first
Put your Federal Railroad Administration certification, conductor qualifications, and any Class 1 railroad training at the top of your resume. Hiring managers scan for these credentials before reading anything else, so burying them in a skills section costs you interviews.
Tailor your resume to freight or passenger rail
Freight and passenger rail employers look for different experience. Freight postings emphasize car inspection, hazmat handling, and switching operations. Passenger postings prioritize customer communication and on-time performance. Match your bullet points to the specific environment you're targeting.
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.
Search by railroad type, not just job title
Class 1 railroads, short-line operators, and transit authorities each post openings differently. Searching only 'train conductor' misses many listings. Try 'trainman,' 'brakeman,' 'conductor trainee,' and 'road conductor' to surface the full range of openings that match your background.
Prepare for a rules-based simulation interview
Most railroad interviews include scenario questions testing your knowledge of general code of operating rules and radio communication protocols. Review the rulebook used by your target railroad and practice explaining how you'd handle authority conflicts, signal anomalies, and emergency stops out loud.
Negotiate your run assignments, not just pay
When you get an offer, ask about the board system, seniority starting point, and whether you'll be holding a regular assignment or working extra board. These details define your schedule and income stability far more than base pay does in the first year.
Train Conductor Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most train conductors?
Norfolk Southern, CPKC, and Paducah & Louisville Railway are hiring the most train conductors right now, with openings concentrated in New York, Illinois, and Iowa, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. Class 1 freight railroads and regional commuter transit authorities tend to post the highest volume of conductor openings on an ongoing basis.
How many train conductor jobs are remote?
About 0% of train conductor openings are fully remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how hands-on the role is. The small share of remote-eligible positions typically involves training coordination, dispatch support, or operations supervision roles that carry a conductor title but don't require active train handling.
How do you become a train conductor?
Start by earning a high school diploma or GED, then apply to a railroad's conductor trainee program, which most Class 1 and regional carriers run internally. You'll complete classroom instruction in operating rules, followed by on-the-job training under a qualified conductor. After accumulating the required hours and passing your carrier's qualification exam, you earn FRA conductor certification and join the seniority roster.
Can you get hired as a train conductor with no railroad experience?
Yes, most railroads hire conductor trainees with no prior rail experience and train them from scratch. What helps you stand out is a background in safety-critical environments, such as trucking, construction, or military service, which signals you can follow strict operating rules under pressure. A clean driving record and the ability to pass a medical and drug screening are non-negotiable from day one.
What does the train conductor interview process look like?
Most railroad hiring processes start with an online application and a basic aptitude or safety-judgment assessment. Candidates who pass move to a structured panel interview focused on rules knowledge, situational judgment, and safety decision-making. A physical and drug screening follows before any offer is extended. Some carriers also conduct a review of your driving history and a background check before finalizing the offer.
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 railroads and transit agencies across the United States. Find roles that match your experience and location, then apply directly to each listing.
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