Train conductor vs yard conductor

The differences between train conductors and yard 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 $54,357 average annual salary of a yard conductor.

The top three skills for a train conductor include switches, rail cars and FRA. The most important skills for a yard conductor are hand signals, , and .

Train conductor vs yard conductor overview

	Train Conductor	Yard Conductor
Yearly salary	$58,474	$54,357
Hourly rate	$28.11	$26.13
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	1,646	4,094
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	45	45
Years of experience	-	-

Train conductor vs yard conductor salary

Train conductors and yard conductors have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Train Conductor	Yard Conductor
Average salary	$58,474	$54,357
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $83,000	Between $39,000 And $74,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between train conductor and yard conductor education

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

	Train Conductor	Yard Conductor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 35%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	-	-

Train conductor vs yard conductor demographics

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

	Train Conductor	Yard Conductor
Average age	45	45
Gender ratio	Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4%	Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0%
Race ratio	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%	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 train conductor and yard conductor duties and responsibilities

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.

Yard 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.

Train conductor vs yard conductor skills

Common train conductor skills

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

Common yard conductor skills

Hand Signals, 100%

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Train Conductor
Train Conductor vs Yard Conductor

Updated January 8, 2025

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