Switchman vs train conductor

The differences between switchmen and train conductors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a train conductor has an average salary of $58,474, 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 train conductor are switches, rail cars, and FRA.

Switchman vs train conductor overview

	Switchman	Train Conductor
Yearly salary	$57,143	$58,474
Hourly rate	$27.47	$28.11
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	518	1,646
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 47%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Switchman vs train conductor salary

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

	Switchman	Train Conductor
Average salary	$57,143	$58,474
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $81,000	Between $41,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between switchman and train conductor education

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

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

Switchman vs train conductor demographics

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

	Switchman	Train Conductor
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 95.4% Female, 4.6%	Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4%
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, 8.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.7% Asian, 2.0% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between switchman and train 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.

Train conductor example responsibilities.

Provide excellent leadership by training new conductors in railroad rules and regulations, while simultaneously managing the train yard.
Operate track switches, couple cars and work on freight trains in yard operations and on the road with heavy travel.
Conform to FRA rules during train movement and transportation.
Require attention to detail in train consist and hazmat placements.
Get all the paper work for the train including all hazmat waybills and emergency response.
Inspect all equipment on cars and build trains in accordance with FRA, rules and regulations, prior to departures.

Switchman vs train conductor skills

Common switchman skills

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

Common train conductor skills

Switches, 18%
Rail Cars, 16%
FRA, 13%
Safety Procedures, 11%
Ladders, 10%
Locomotives, 6%

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Switchman vs Train Conductor

Updated January 8, 2025

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