Train operator vs train conductor

The differences between train operators 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 $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 train conductor are switches, rail cars, and FRA.

Train operator vs train conductor overview

	Train Operator	Train Conductor
Yearly salary	$39,189	$58,474
Hourly rate	$18.84	$28.11
Growth rate	8%	4%
Number of jobs	58,754	1,646
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 45%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	44	45
Years of experience	4	-

Train operator vs train conductor salary

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

	Train Operator	Train Conductor
Average salary	$39,189	$58,474
Salary range	Between $27,000 And $55,000	Between $41,000 And $83,000
Highest paying City	Alameda, CA	-
Highest paying state	Virginia	-
Best paying company	American Water	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between train operator and train conductor education

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

	Train Operator	Train 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 train conductor demographics

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

	Train Operator	Train Conductor
Average age	44	45
Gender ratio	Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7%	Male, 83.6% Female, 16.4%
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, 11.7% Asian, 2.0% White, 71.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%
LGBT Percentage	12%	7%

Differences between train operator and train 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.

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.

Train operator vs train conductor skills

Common train operator skills

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

Common train conductor skills

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