How to become a train conductor

1. 1Meet the basic hiring requirements

   Time: Before applyingSources 1, 5, 7

   You need a high school diploma or equivalent, and BLS lists a minimum age of 21 and a background check for railroad jobs, though age rules vary by employer. Your driving record matters too, because federal rules make railroads review it before certifying you. Expect a medical exam, drug and alcohol testing, and physical tests for climbing, lifting and walking on uneven ballast. BLS notes some employers prefer applicants with postsecondary coursework.

2. 2Apply to a freight railroad, Amtrak or a commuter agency

   Time: Weeks to monthsSources 5, 6

   Freight railroads often post entry jobs as train crew or conductor trainee for a specific terminal, and you must live within reach of that terminal because crews are called on short notice. Amtrak and commuter railroads run by transit agencies hire passenger conductors and assistant conductors. Hiring comes in waves, so watch railroad career pages and be ready to relocate. Union Pacific, for example, gives hires who live more than 300 miles away a one-time travel allowance and two weeks in a hotel.

3. 3Complete the railroad's training program

   Time: About 3 months to 1 yearCost: Paid by employerSources 1, 5

   Training mixes classroom work on operating rules, signals, air brakes and hazardous materials with on-the-job trips under an experienced conductor. Union Pacific's program is 14 weeks: new hire classroom and on-the-job training, the same for conductor work, then remote control operator training, with final exams that require at least 85% and 100% on the switch assessment. BLS says most railroads provide up to 12 months of on-the-job training. Amtrak and larger freight railroads run their own programs, while smaller railroads may use central training centers or community colleges.

4. 4Pass FRA conductor certification

   Time: End of trainingSources 2, 3

   Under 49 CFR Part 242, your railroad certifies you only after you pass its FRA-approved knowledge test, show you can do the work during monitored operational tests, and meet vision and hearing standards. The standards include distant vision of at least 20/40 in each eye (glasses allowed), a 70-degree field of vision, telling signal colors apart, and an average hearing loss no greater than 40 decibels in the better ear. The railroad also checks your safety, driving and drug and alcohol record.

5. 5Build seniority and recertify

   Time: Ongoing (at least every 3 years)Sources 4, 1

   A conductor certificate is valid for no more than 36 months, and recertification requires a current eligibility review, a medical exam and a recent knowledge test. In between, railroads keep monitoring each conductor's operating performance. Early years usually mean extra board work and uncertain schedules; seniority eventually brings regular assignments. Many freight conductors later enter engineer training, which leads to a separate federal certification.

Requirements differ by state. Check your state’s rules in the CareerOneStop License Finder (U.S. Department of Labor) before you enroll.

Rules knowledge

Conductors must apply operating rules, signal indications and track authorities exactly, and violations can cost them their certificate.

Situational awareness

Working between cars and beside moving equipment means constantly watching for slack action, other trains and trip hazards.

Physical stamina

The job involves climbing car ladders, walking long distances on ballast and handling heavy couplers and hand brakes in heat, snow and rain.

Clear radio communication

Every move with the engineer and dispatcher depends on precise radio instructions and repeating them back.

Tolerance for irregular hours

Freight crews are called around the clock with a few hours' notice and can spend nights away from home.

O*NET 31.0 rates these skills as most important for the occupation: speaking, monitoring, critical thinking, active listening, reading comprehension.

Training cost

No tuition

Before financial aid

Time

6 to 12 months

Typical path

Median pay

$78,000

All US jobs: $50,980

Payback once qualified

No training cost

Pay above the all-jobs median vs. cost

Training for conductors is normally provided by the hiring railroad or transit agency, and trainees are paid during training at rates set by the union contract (Union Pacific, for example). College Scorecard has no standard conductor program to price. Optional pre-hire railroad courses at community colleges or private schools are an added cost not included here.

Rough guide only: ignores taxes, aid, interest and earnings given up during training. How we calculate it.

• Locomotive engineer

  Many conductors bid into the railroad's engineer training program and earn separate federal engineer certification.

• Yardmaster

  Experienced conductors who know a yard well can move into yardmaster jobs that plan switching and direct yard crews.

• Trainmaster or road foreman

  Railroads promote experienced crew members into management roles that supervise crews and safety; a degree can help.

• Operations manager$105,770 median

  Conductors who add a bachelor's degree or management training can move into railroad or logistics operations management.