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What is a trains service conductor and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a trains service conductor. For example, did you know that they make an average of $18.47 an hour? That's $38,420 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -2% and produce -1,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreTrains Service ConductorUS Average
Salary
3.0

Avg. Salary $38,420

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
8.5

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
5.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.35%

Asian 4.93%

Black or African American 17.49%

Hispanic or Latino 15.70%

Unknown 4.04%

White 56.50%

Gender

female 48.48%

male 51.52%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48
Stress level
8.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
7.3

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
2.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a trains service conductor

  1. Explore trains service conductor education requirements

    Most common trains service conductor degrees

    Bachelor's

    70.0 %

    High School Diploma

    10.0 %

    Master's

    10.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific trains service conductor skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service100.00%
  3. Complete relevant trains service conductor training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New trains service conductors learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a trains service conductor based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real trains service conductor resumes.
  4. Research trains service conductor duties and responsibilities

    • Provide excellent leadership by training new conductors in railroad rules and regulations, while simultaneously managing the train yard.
    • 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.
  5. Apply for trains service conductor jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a trains service conductor job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first trains service conductor job

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Average trains service conductor salary

The average trains service conductor salary in the United States is $38,420 per year or $18 per hour. Trains service conductor salaries range between $26,000 and $55,000 per year.

Average trains service conductor salary
$38,420 Yearly
$18.47 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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