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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in the United States

How much does a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in the United States is $55,615 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $27.

However, a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $78,384
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,151 to $67,533
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,624
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salaries

A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Transportation Clerk III (3-5 years): $54,968
  • Transportation Clerk IV (5-7 years): $64,459
  • Transportation Supervisor (7+ years): $74,532
  • Transportation Senior Supervisor (7+ years): $87,642
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Transportation Clerk III3-5 years$54,968
Transportation Clerk IV5-7 years$64,459
Transportation Supervisor7+ years$74,532
Transportation Senior Supervisor7+ years$87,642
View as Graph

How Do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $61,577.
  • California: $61,344.
  • Massachusetts: $60,526.

Top Paying Cities for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $70,148
  • San Francisco: $69,380
  • Oakland: $67,918

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $55,615. While startup companies pay approximate $55,615.

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,615
Growth Stage 51~500 $55,615
Established 501~5000 $55,615
Enterprise 5000+ $55,615

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$45,151
Average $55,615/year
$67,533
$3,763
Average $4,635/month
$5,628
$868
Average $1,070/week
$1,299
$22
Average $27/hour
$32
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $67,533 $5,628 $1,299 $32
Average $55,615 $4,635 $1,070 $27
25th Percentile $45,151 $3,763 $868 $22

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary Growth & Career Path

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

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Advancement

For a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Transportation Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $74,532 - a projected growth of 34% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

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FAQ about Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

1. Where can a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earn the most?

A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $70,148.

2. What is the highest pay for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?

The highest pay for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $78,384.

3. What is the lowest pay for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?

The lowest pay for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $35,624.

4. What are the responsibilities of Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?

Supervises and coordinates activities of switch-engine crew engaged in switching railroad cars within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location to facilitate loading and unloading of trains. Required to complete specific trade school courses and possess necessary certifications. Is familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Works under general supervision. Typically reports to a supervisor/manager.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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