Switchman vs freight conductor

The differences between switchmen and freight conductors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a freight conductor has an average salary of $57,998, which is higher than the $57,143 average annual salary of a switchman.

The top three skills for a switchman include switches, ladders and rail cars. The most important skills for a freight conductor are switches, FRA, and rail cars.

Switchman vs freight conductor overview

	Switchman	Freight Conductor
Yearly salary	$57,143	$57,998
Hourly rate	$27.47	$27.88
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	518	6,636
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Switchman vs freight conductor salary

Switchmen and freight conductors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Switchman	Freight Conductor
Average salary	$57,143	$57,998
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $81,000	Between $40,000 And $82,000
Highest paying City	-	Springfield, MA
Highest paying state	-	Oregon
Best paying company	-	CSX
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between switchman and freight conductor education

There are a few differences between a switchman and a freight conductor in terms of educational background:

	Switchman	Freight Conductor
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Switchman vs freight conductor demographics

Here are the differences between switchmen' and freight conductors' demographics:

	Switchman	Freight Conductor
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%	Male, 96.7% Female, 3.3%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.0% Asian, 2.0% White, 71.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between switchman and freight conductor duties and responsibilities

Switchman example responsibilities.

Manage daily inspections and audits of locomotives.
Complete safety training and follow all FRA safety regulations on a daily basis.
Operate track switches, couple cars, and work on freight trains in yard operations and on the road.
Qualify in GCOR, HAZMAT, OSHA, EPA and ODOT regulations.
Train & supervise various employees to be safe and knowledgeable conductors.
Process and evaluate train documents to assure compliance with FRA and company guidelines.

Freight conductor example responsibilities.

Provide excellent leadership by training new conductors in railroad rules and regulations, while simultaneously managing the train yard.
Instruct and assist train crews in coupling/uncoupling cars, operate switches, and implement minor repairs to rail cars.
Assist co-workers to couple and uncouple cars, throw track switches, or other activities involve in switching railroad cars.
Make sure train consist is correct within CSX system database.
Train and educate new employees about BNSF rules and policies.
Monitor corrosive and combustible materials, broad knowledge of all HAZMAT procedures.

Switchman vs freight conductor skills

Common switchman skills

Switches, 27%
Ladders, 19%
Rail Cars, 12%
Air Hoses, 11%
Locomotives, 7%
Electrical Connections, 5%

Common freight conductor skills

Switches, 15%
FRA, 15%
Rail Cars, 14%
Federal Regulations, 8%
Hand Signals, 7%
CSX, 6%

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Switchman vs Freight Conductor

Updated January 8, 2025

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