How many train conductors are there in the United States?


How many train conductors are there in the United States? Train conductor demographics research summary. There are over 39,235 train conductors currently employed in the United States. 16.4% of all train conductors are women, while 83.6% are men.


How many conductors run a train?

Today, most road freights operate with just two crew members, a conductor and an engineer. Many local freights that deliver and collect cars along their routes also have one trainman, and some have two, to help with the “ground work” of throwing the ground switches and uncoupling the cars.


How long are train conductors away from home?

Traditionally, conductors have been stationed within the locomotive cab, which often led to unpredictable work schedules and extended periods away from home. On average, conductors spent around 89 days away from home each year due to the nature of their work tied to train movements.


How often do train conductors go home?

You can expect to be called for duty at any time - like 1 AM - work up to 12 hours, get the mandatory rest time, and be called again ASAP. That results in a 22 to 24 hour duty cycle, which can go on for 6 or 7 days before any mandatory days off apply.


Is it better to be a train conductor or engineer?

Because train engineers receive additional training and typically have more experience than conductors, they may earn a higher salary. Consider your budget and cost of living to decide whether a lower salary is enough for your needs if you're considering becoming a conductor.


Which is the highest paid job in railway?

High Paying Railroad Jobs
  • Signal Integrity Engineer. Salary range: $167,000-$167,000 per year. ...
  • Signal Processing Engineer. Salary range: $110,500-$154,000 per year. ...
  • Signal Engineer. Salary range: $86,000-$142,500 per year. ...
  • Steam Engineer. ...
  • Train Dispatcher. ...
  • Yardmaster. ...
  • Switch Technician. ...
  • Depot Manager.


Is working on the railroad good money?

The best Railroad jobs can pay up to $167,000 per year. There are a variety of jobs necessary for the maintenance of rail stations, depots, and tracks.


How do train conductors get sleep?

Neither the conductor nor the engineer is allowed to sleep on the train. They must be awake and alert throughout their entire shift. So, where do they sleep? After their shift, conductors and engineers sleep either at home or in a motel at an away terminal.


What is the life expectancy of a railroad worker?

What were the study's findings on the life expectancy of retired male railroaders? The most recent data reflected a continued improvement in longevity. Using data through 2016, the study indicated that, on the average, a male railroader retiring at age 60 can be expected to live another 22.5 years, or 270 months.


Do train conductors have PTSD?

Railroad and subway drivers can experience psychological trauma when trains strike or nearly miss other trains, motor vehicles, or persons or become instruments of death.


Do train conductors drive the train?

Train operators and conductors play distinct and important roles: Operators drive the train, while conductors make announcements, stick their heads out of the cab to give the operator the all clear, open and close the train doors, and interact with passengers directly.


Do train conductors make 6 figures?

Salary Ranges for Train Conductors The salaries of Train Conductors in the US range from $13,808 to $373,999 , with a median salary of $66,833 .


What is the average age of a train conductor?

There are over 39,235 train conductors currently employed in the United States. 16.4% of all train conductors are women, while 83.6% are men. The average train conductor age is 45 years old.


Is train conductor a stressful job?

Conductors work long days (anywhere from 11 to 13 hours, typically), they have to maneuver heavy machinery in sometimes terrible weather conditions, and they can't really plan time off for birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. A former conductor told Reddit: “It is a career that kills marriage.”