AITakeover Tracker
Awaiting Assessment

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Also known as: Agent, Car Chaser, Car Dispatcher, Car Distributor, Car Spotter, Centralized Traffic Control Operator (CTC Operator), Conductor, Conductor and Engineer, Conductor, Freight, Conductor/Brakeman

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.

Education & Training

Percentage of workers at each education and training level

Education Level

High School Diploma86%
Some College8%
Associate's Degree6%

Prior Experience Needed

Work experience required to enter this job

None70%
Up to 1 month5%
6 months - 1 year6%
1-2 years11%
2-4 years8%

Training Provided After Hiring

How long it typically takes to learn on the job

None4%
Up to 1 month9%
1-3 months6%
3-6 months38%
6 months - 1 year24%
1-2 years8%
2-4 years9%

How AI Impacts Each Task

22 tasks analyzed

Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.

Confer with engineers regarding train routes, timetables, and cargoes, and to discuss alternative routes when there are rail defects or obstructions.

Instruct workers to set warning signals in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops.

Receive information regarding train or rail problems from dispatchers or from electronic monitoring devices.

Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.

Essential Soft Skills

Traits that are hard for AI to replicate

IntegrityDependabilityAttention to DetailSelf ControlIndependenceCooperationAdaptability/FlexibilityStress ToleranceConcern for OthersSocial OrientationAnalytical ThinkingInitiative

Wage & Employment (2024)

Median Wage

$74,080

per year

Mean Wage

$75,490

per year

Employment

43K

workers

Wage Range

$53,490 - $103,350

10th - 90th pct

Wage Distribution

$53,490Median: $74,080$103,350
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Awaiting Assessment

This occupation has 22 tasks in the database and is queued for the next scoring run. Risk scores, protective factors, and skill gaps will appear once the assessment completes.