How to hire a train conductor

How to hire a train conductor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step train conductor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a train conductor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new train conductor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   The train conductor hiring process starts by determining what type of worker you actually need. Certain roles might require a full-time employee, whereas part-time workers or contractors can do others.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A train conductor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, train conductors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   The following list breaks down different types of train conductors and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Train Conductor	Description	Hourly rate
   Train Conductor	Workers in railroad occupations ensure that passenger and freight trains run on time and travel safely. Some workers drive trains, some coordinate the activities of the trains, and others operate signals and switches in the rail yard.	$19-39
   Switchman	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... Show more	$18-38
   Conductor	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... Show more	$19-39

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Switches
   • Rail Cars
   • FRA
   • Safety Procedures
   • Ladders
   • Locomotives
   • Hazmat
   • Track Switches
   • Hand Signals
   • Train Cars
   • Safety Regulations
   • Mechanical Problems
   • Hazardous Materials
   • Radio Communications

   Check all skills

   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.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your train conductor job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A train conductor salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, train conductors' average salary in colorado is 33% less than in oregon.
   • Seniority. Entry-level train conductors earn 51% less than senior-level train conductors.
   • Certifications. A train conductor with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a train conductor's salary.

   Average train conductor salary

   $58,474yearly

   $28.11 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level train conductor salary

   $41,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 15, 2025

4. Writing a train conductor job description

   A good train conductor job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a train conductor job description:

   Train conductor job description example

   Job DescriptionThe conductor position can often mean a significant lifestyle change as the work schedule is often non-traditional and requires many to be available to work on short notice.
   Benefits
   Medical insurance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents is provided on the first day of the second calendar month of employment.
   
   After one year of employment, you are eligible for dental insurance to cover yourself and eligible dependents, a $20,000 life insurance plan for yourself, and participation in the company 401K plan. You are subject to Railroad Retirement taxes paid at a rate equivalent to Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%. You are also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and, following completion of the service requirement, you will be eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits.
   
   Training
   We utilize a comprehensive training program for both conductor and locomotive engineer, consisting of classroom and field training. Successful completion of these programs is a requirement for employment. Conductor trainees should expect to go through a training program of approximately 10-13 weeks before promoting to a conductor position. The first 2 weeks of employment will occur at the company Training Center in McDonough, GA. individuals are responsible for providing their own transportation to the hotel provided by the company, and to the training center each day. We will reimburse mileage to the training center, meals, and provide hotel accommodation. The remaining 8-11 weeks of training will take place at or near the hire location
   
   A conductor trainee should expect to work a schedule similar to that of a conductor. As a newly qualified conductor you will most likely be assigned to a conductors' extra board. Conductor extra boards have schedules with a minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days. While not on your rest days, you are subject to be called to work 24 hours a day, on an as-needed basis. Extra board work schedules are irregular and are determined by business needs.
   
   You will be required to report to your work location within a 90-minute notice regardless of time or weather conditions. Reliable transportation is necessary. Also, depending on your job assignment, you may be required to routinely spend time away from home.
   
   A conductor trainee and conductor should have reliable transportation to and from their training and work locations.
   
   Union Membership
   You will be required to join a union within 60 days of becoming a conductor and establishing a seniority date.
   
   Work Environment
   A conductor should expect to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. This may mean working in poor weather conditions day or night.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   There are a few common ways to find train conductors for your business:

   • Promoting internally or recruiting from your existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
   • Attend job fairs at local colleges to meet candidates with the right educational background.
   • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to recruit passive job-seekers.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your train conductor job on Zippia to find and recruit train conductor candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit train conductors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new train conductor

   Once you've selected the best train conductor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's equally important to follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new employee's start date, you can create an onboarding schedule and complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9 forms, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Human Resources should also ensure that a new employee file is created.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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