How much does a train conductor make?

In the United States, experience and skills, the railroad or kind of rail service, and location can all affect pay. Conductors may work irregular or long hours, and seniority usually affects which shifts they get, so schedules—and yearly earnings—can differ.

Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.

What's a typical day like?

On passenger trains, conductors check tickets and keep riders informed; on freight runs, they coordinate the crew and cargo. Yardmasters study schedules and direct crews as they sort cars into trains.

U.S. railroads generally require a high-school diploma or GED and train conductors and yardmasters on the job. Conductors must be at least 21, pass the railroad's FRA-approved test and hands-on training, and earn certification.

High school plus some training (preparation level 2 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

Yardmasters may plan car order so tank cars carrying dangerous chemicals aren't lined up in a risky way.

The US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.