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.
Find Train Conductor JobsOverview
Showing 3 of 17+ Train Conductor jobs
Date: Oct 29, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30315 Atlanta, GA, US, 30315 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Austell, GA, US, 30106 Austell, GA, US, 30106 Austell, GA, US, 30106-2411 Austell, GA, US, 30106-2411 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
Train Conductor Job Description
Retention Bonus Details:
$5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026)
$1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training)
$1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training)
$2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training)
Description
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.
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://next.frame.io/share/ee753722-c41b-45c7-b14c-8a77fff0cbcc/view/d60b2ce8-7039-4ff7-8015-a6f76356e46c
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.
$5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026)
$1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training)
$1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training)
$2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training)
Vacation Eligibility
Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation *
Two (2) or more years - 2 Weeks
Six (6) or more years - 3 Weeks
Fifteen (15) or more years - 4 Weeks
Twenty-three (23) - 5 Weeks
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: Oct 29, 2026
Location: Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30315 Atlanta, GA, US, 30315 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Atlanta, GA, US, 30318 Austell, GA, US, 30106 Austell, GA, US, 30106 Austell, GA, US, 30106-2411 Austell, GA, US, 30106-2411 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297 Forest Park, GA, US, 30297
Company: Norfolk Southern Corp.
Train Conductor Job Description
Retention Bonus Details:
$5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026)
$1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training)
$1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training)
$2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training)
Description
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.
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://next.frame.io/share/ee753722-c41b-45c7-b14c-8a77fff0cbcc/view/d60b2ce8-7039-4ff7-8015-a6f76356e46c
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.
$5,000.00 Retention Bonus (Effective 7/1/2026)
$1,000 (upon completion of on-the-job training)
$1,500 (6 months after completion of on-the-job training)
$2,500 (12 months after completion of on-the-job training)
Vacation Eligibility
Years of Service / Weeks of Vacation *
Two (2) or more years - 2 Weeks
Six (6) or more years - 3 Weeks
Fifteen (15) or more years - 4 Weeks
Twenty-three (23) - 5 Weeks
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 17 Train Conductor Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Train Conductor JobsTrain Conductor Job Market
Who's Hiring
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?
CPKC, Norfolk Southern, and Jaguar Transport Holdings are hiring the most train conductors right now, with openings concentrated in Iowa, North Carolina, and Georgia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 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 November 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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