Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for railroad conductors and yardmasters in the United States was $78,000 ($37.50 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $58,740 | $28.24 |
| 25th | $65,610 | $31.54 |
| Median | $78,000 | $37.50 |
| 75th | $83,820 | $40.30 |
| 90th | $109,770 | $52.78 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-4031
- Total U.S. employment: 46,440
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
For career planning: entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $58,740, median pay is $78,000, and experienced pay (90th percentile) reaches $109,770.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $78,080 | $37.54 | +0.1% | 460 |
| Arkansas | $67,710 | $32.56 | -13.2% | 390 |
| California | $69,950 | $33.63 | -10.3% | 1,500 |
| Colorado | $77,550 | $37.28 | -0.6% | 490 |
| Delaware | $80,410 | $38.66 | +3.1% | 0 |
| Florida | $79,600 | $38.27 | +2.1% | 760 |
| Georgia | $75,810 | $36.45 | -2.8% | 1,740 |
| Idaho | — | — | — | 270 |
| Illinois | $79,820 | $38.38 | +2.3% | 2,790 |
| Indiana | $81,260 | $39.07 | +4.2% | 1,720 |
| Kansas | $68,730 | $33.05 | -11.9% | 1,200 |
| Kentucky | $52,380 | $25.18 | -32.8% | 110 |
| Louisiana | $62,170 | $29.89 | -20.3% | 390 |
| Maryland | $83,390 | $40.09 | +6.9% | 300 |
| Michigan | $78,960 | $37.96 | +1.2% | 760 |
| Minnesota | $78,930 | $37.95 | +1.2% | 830 |
| Mississippi | $78,010 | $37.50 | +0.0% | 440 |
| Missouri | $68,030 | $32.71 | -12.8% | 970 |
| New Mexico | $77,890 | $37.45 | -0.1% | 400 |
| New York | $80,000 | $38.46 | +2.6% | 6,980 |
| North Carolina | $58,930 | $28.33 | -24.4% | 0 |
| Ohio | $61,390 | $29.52 | -21.3% | 1,480 |
| Oklahoma | $102,260 | $49.16 | +31.1% | 310 |
| Oregon | $68,580 | $32.97 | -12.1% | 390 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 | $40.20 | +7.2% | 2,750 |
| South Carolina | $73,660 | $35.42 | -5.6% | 420 |
| South Dakota | $62,730 | $30.16 | -19.6% | 90 |
| Tennessee | $71,740 | $34.49 | -8.0% | 790 |
| Texas | $68,980 | $33.16 | -11.6% | 4,640 |
| Virginia | $79,900 | $38.41 | +2.4% | 900 |
| Washington | $79,040 | $38.00 | +1.3% | 810 |
| West Virginia | $55,180 | $26.53 | -29.3% | 320 |
| Wisconsin | $59,690 | $28.70 | -23.5% | 630 |
| Wyoming | $68,430 | $32.90 | -12.3% | 0 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors — $59,350/yr
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents — $77,710/yr
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents — $78,660/yr
- Insurance Sales Agents — $62,280/yr
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education — $38,140/yr
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — $59,850/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for railroad conductors and yardmasters?
The median annual wage for railroad conductors and yardmasters is $78,000 ($37.50 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays railroad conductors and yardmasters the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many railroad conductors and yardmasters are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 46,440 railroad conductors and yardmasters employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do railroad conductors and yardmasters make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $37.50. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.