Switchman vs passenger conductor

The differences between switchmen and passenger conductors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a switchman has an average salary of $57,143, which is higher than the $54,568 average annual salary of a passenger conductor.

The top three skills for a switchman include switches, ladders and rail cars. The most important skills for a passenger conductor are safety rules, train movement, and FRA.

Switchman vs passenger conductor overview

	Switchman	Passenger Conductor
Yearly salary	$57,143	$54,568
Hourly rate	$27.47	$26.23
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	518	742
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 30%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Switchman vs passenger conductor salary

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

	Switchman	Passenger Conductor
Average salary	$57,143	$54,568
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $81,000	Between $39,000 And $75,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between switchman and passenger conductor education

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

	Switchman	Passenger Conductor
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	High School Diploma, 30%
Most common major	Business	Criminal Justice
Most common college	-	-

Switchman vs passenger conductor demographics

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

	Switchman	Passenger Conductor
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%	Male, 88.0% Female, 12.0%
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, 9.7% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 7.5% Asian, 1.9% White, 75.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between switchman and passenger 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.

Passenger conductor example responsibilities.

Manage all commodities, crew, safety, and efficient delivery of each assign train and while following strict FRA guidelines.
Perform hostler operations of operating locomotives between various shop locations, service tracks and switching areas.
Qualify on all NORAC rules and physical characteristics of the regional territory.

Switchman vs passenger conductor skills

Common switchman skills

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

Common passenger conductor skills

Safety Rules, 89%
Train Movement, 5%
FRA, 4%
Hand Signals, 3%

Switchman vs. similar jobs

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Switchman vs Passenger Conductor

Updated January 8, 2025

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