This article provides a general career overview of a train conductor. It discusses the general duties of a train conductor, the requirements to earn a position, the average hourly wage, and the immediate industry outlook. It also provides details on why individuals pursue a career as a train conductor and its appeal to the traditional sense of American history.

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	Much of the work that is performed by conductors depends upon the type of railroad work they do - freight train, passenger train, subway, or light-rail.

The train has been a piece of Americana that most people associate with the lonesome sound of a whistle blowing in the middle of the night. The clacking of the wheels on the train tracks and the giant engine huffing and puffing as it pulls the cars along are familiar to virtually everyone. The person who manages all aspects of freight and passengers on the train, along with the engineer, is the conductor. However, the conductor has the added responsibility of taking care of the passengers, making sure the weight of the train is distributed evenly when carrying cargo, and the shipping records of any freight being carried aboard the train among many other responsibilities. These responsibilities depend upon the type of train on which the conductor is working.

The Train Conductor’s Duties

Depending upon whether it is a passenger train or a freight train, the duties of the conductor will vary accordingly. A passenger train conductor will handle all aspects of passenger safety and ensuring they have a comfortable ride while they are traveling to their destination. The conductor will collect the fares and tickets, keep the passengers informed of what they need to know, and assign the crew the work they are responsible for performing.

A conductor will work in conjunction with the engineer before the train leaves the terminal when it comes to the route the train will be taking, the times it is to arrive and leave the designated areas, and the cargo it will be carrying. Keeping in constant contact with other personnel in the rail yards the conductor and the engineer make sure of the location of other trains as well as adhering to all safety issues. The conductor is also responsible for removing cars that may need work and take care of checking alternative routes if there are problems with the tracks in some areas.

Conductors who are working on freight trains examine the schedules, shipping records, and all that is needed when carrying freight to one destination or another. Some train yards use remote control technology and this must be part of the conductor’s job to make sure everything works the way it is supposed to work. A conductor normally starts out as a rail transportation worker. This may be a stepping stone on up to engineer.

The Training Required

Rail transportation, which is the step before becoming a conductor, requires formal training as well as practical training. The prospective conductor, starting out as a rail transportation worker must pass a background check, a physical exam, and a drug test before they can be hired.

The railroads require a high school diploma at the very least or a GED before the applicant can be hired. To become a rail transportation worker, the prospective applicant must successfully pass a company training program. These usually require classes and on-site training that can be of a few weeks duration or a few months. The entry-level conductor has to either be trained by attending a community college program or they can be trained by their employer. The requirements also are good hearing, color vision, eyesight, and a mechanical quickness as well as physical stamina; they must also be 21 years of age. They must be in good physical condition, able to communicate clearly with others, and make snap judgments that are reliable. Physical examinations are required on a regular basis to ensure the continued ability to perform the job they hold.

When beginning as a railroad transportation worker as a step to conductor, the training requires knowing the signals, operating rules, timetables, and any other items that are related to the position. The new employee can be hired as a conductor but the amount of time spent with the particular railroad is what determines a full time position for conductor.

Much of the work that is performed by conductors depends upon the type of railroad work they do - freight train, passenger train, subway, or light-rail. The rail transportation worker also works in the train yards. This is where the trains are inspected and repaired.

The career of a train conductor is a well paid job, due largely to the fact that this is a union job.

Average Salary for the Conductor

The average hourly earnings of a railroad conductor are about $26.70 per hour. These wages are dependent upon the amount of time spend with a company. Due to the fact that most people who work for the railroad are members of a union, this is one job that pays well. 74% of railroad transportation workers belong to a union — the number for all other occupations is 12%.

The unions that handle the largest number of employees are the United Transportation Union and the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen. Over the next few years there are no expected major changes in the employment rates of conductors or any other railroad workers. However, the employment opportunities are looking good for new applicants because of the retirement of present workers in the next several years as well as those who will inevitably leave this profession for another.

Conclusion

The career of a train conductor is a well paid job, due largely to the fact that this is a union job. The main reason many pursue a career as a conductor is probably due to the love of trains rather than the pay. The top paying states for railroad conductors are Wyoming, Nebraska, Texas, Virginia, and Nevada. The population is increasing every year and is expected to go up by about 21.8 million by 2016. Although this is a slower growth rate than the two previous 10 year periods, there is enough growth to require more workers in many occupations, including those related to the railroad. Due to the population growth, there will be different workers needed for different occupations. However, the movement of passengers and freight will not decline when it involves the use of trains as this is one of the best ways to move items and individuals across the country.

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