Train operator vs conductor

The differences between train operators and conductors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a conductor has an average salary of $58,690, which is higher than the $39,189 average annual salary of a train operator.

The top three skills for a train operator include training programs, safety procedures and training sessions. The most important skills for a conductor are switches, electrical connections, and locomotives.

Train operator vs conductor overview

	Train Operator	Conductor
Yearly salary	$39,189	$58,690
Hourly rate	$18.84	$28.22
Growth rate	8%	4%
Number of jobs	58,754	567
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	44	45
Years of experience	4	-

What does a train operator do?

The Train Operator ensures the train gets to and from destinations in a timely and safe manner. This person is responsible for the train's operation, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. The passengers' safety and convenience fall on the train operator's shoulders, and it is the operator's obligation that trains always depart and arrive on time. Add responsibilities of a train operator is to ensure the security of all passengers and to report all irregularities observed during one's duty.

What does a conductor do?

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. Also, they routinely augment their direction with a verbal command to their musicians in rehearsal. Additionally, they act as guides to the orchestra, choose the work they're supposed to present and studying the composition, formulate their interpretation, and attend to organizational matters.

Train operator vs conductor salary

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

	Train Operator	Conductor
Average salary	$39,189	$58,690
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $55,000	Between $41,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	Alameda, CA	Tigard, OR
Highest paying state	Virginia	Oregon
Best paying company	American Water	Barclays
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between train operator and conductor education

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

	Train Operator	Conductor
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	-

Train operator vs conductor demographics

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

	Train Operator	Conductor
Average age	44	45
Gender ratio	Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7%	Male, 86.9% Female, 13.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%	Black or African American, 8.7% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 11.4% Asian, 2.0% White, 72.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	12%	7%

Differences between train operator and conductor duties and responsibilities

Train operator example responsibilities.

Develop training content for eLearning and instructor lead classrooms by evaluating Predix user experiences.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Develop and write operator training manuals and ISO procedures for injection molding lines, metalizers, coaters and inspection equipment.
Climb ladders on railway cars.
Act as SME for safety.
Maintain trainingrecords and LMS system.

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Conductor example responsibilities.

Provide excellent leadership by training new conductors in railroad rules and regulations, while simultaneously managing the train yard.
Manage all commodities, crew, safety, and efficient delivery of each assign train and while following strict FRA guidelines.
Review and verify the train paperwork and train lists are accurate and in accordance with HAZMAT and other federal regulations.
Claim ladders to tops of cars to set brakes, make minor repairs to couplings air hoses, using have tools.
Qualify RCL operator and instructor.
Service customers including Paxon, Rhodia and Exxon.

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Train operator vs conductor skills

Common train operator skills

Training Programs, 12%
Safety Procedures, 9%
Training Sessions, 8%
PowerPoint, 7%
Ladders, 6%
DOD, 4%

Common conductor skills

Switches, 28%
Electrical Connections, 16%
Locomotives, 14%
Conductors, 7%
FRA, 6%
Field Training, 6%

Train Operator vs. similar jobs

Train Operator related careers

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Updated January 8, 2025

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