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The differences between conductors and switchmen can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a conductor has an average salary of $58,690, which is higher than the $57,143 average annual salary of a switchman.
The top three skills for a conductor include switches, electrical connections and locomotives. The most important skills for a switchman are switches, ladders, and rail cars.
Conductors are generally responsible for interpreting the composition to reflect the set demonstration in that composition, setting the rhythm, making sure of the precise entries, and creating the proper phrasing. They communicate with their musicians fundamentally through hand gestures with the use of a baton and may use other signals like eye contact. Also, they routinely augment their direction with a verbal command to their musicians in rehearsal. Additionally, they act as guides to the orchestra, choose the work they're supposed to present and studying the composition, formulate their interpretation, and attend to organizational matters.
The job of a switchman is to operate the track switches for railroads. Your day-to-day duties typically include operating the brakes and switches, attaching and detaching freight cars, and conducting a routine inspection of important train parts. Additionally, you will be responsible for visually checking the conditions of switches, and relaying radio, arm, and lantern signals that affect train movement. A switchman typically gets and follow instructions from the freight operator, and may be required to assist in setting train brakes and adding or removing cars.
Conductors and switchmen have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Conductor | Switchman | |
| Average salary | $58,690 | $57,143 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $83,000 | Between $39,000 And $81,000 |
| Highest paying City | Tigard, OR | - |
| Highest paying state | Oregon | - |
| Best paying company | Barclays | - |
| Best paying industry | - | - |
There are a few differences between a conductor and a switchman in terms of educational background:
| Conductor | Switchman | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 35% | High School Diploma, 47% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | - | - |
Here are the differences between conductors' and switchmen' demographics:
| Conductor | Switchman | |
| Average age | 45 | 45 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 86.9% Female, 13.1% | Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 2.0% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 10.9% Asian, 2.0% White, 70.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% |
| LGBT Percentage | 7% | 7% |