They tell brake operators which cars to add and remove and where to put them. In yards that have automatic classification systems, conductors use electrical remote controls to operate the track switches that route cars. Railroad Conductors is a specialty of Railway Transportation Workers. For more information, see the Railway Transportation Workers occupation. Railroad Conductors is in the Transportation Career Cluster.
Wages vary according to training, experience and location.
Entry level wages may be lower. There were 810 people employed as railroad conductors and yardmasters in Indiana in 1998. It is estimated that between 1996 and 2006, about 22 jobs per year will need to be filled. These openings should result from the replacement of current workers. This occupation is declining compared to other occupations in Indiana.