How do I get a railroad job?

Question

I've heard there is a shortage in railroad workers, especially conductors. I've also heard they earn pretty good money. Who can tell me more? What are some good companies? Where can I get training? Thanks.

Answer 1

Hi Leo,

If you are interested in becoming a conductor you will first need to become certified at a school chosen by the railroad, and each Class I (CSX, Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, Kansas City Southern, BNSF Railway, Canadian Pacific, and Canadian National) has one or two which they usually pool from (each one is listed on the link below to learn more about them).

They reason I mentioned the Class Is is they offer the best pay (with excellent benefits and retirement), which can be very near six digits but the work is very long and you are required to be on call 24/7 (the FRA-mandated 12-hour days [meaning you can work no more than 12 hours in a 24-hour period] are normal).  

Because the industry is booming right now (and will likely continue to remain so through the foreseeable future) your chances of getting an interview after completing the class are very good (sometimes right on the spot!).  And, after usually at least 5 years at the helm as a conductor you are bumped up to engineer.

If you do decide to try the career the very best of luck to you and again, it is very rewarding from a monetary standpoint and if you just plain enjoy trains but the hours are long and free time is almost nonexistent.

Answer 2

Believe me, there is no shortage of conductors right now.  This is a slow year.  I hired out with UP a year ago (in the southern region, I work in Texas), and have been on auxilary work status since completing my training,  which means I work two, or if I am lucky, four days a week.  I still do okay financially, but it could be alot better.  I think this is the case with most of the Class I railroads right now.  Hopefully it will improve over the next 6 months or so.  As someone said in an earlier answer, the benefits are great, good insurance, retirement, and alot of vacation time, as you gain seniority.  The hours are hard though, on call 24/7.   As far as training goes, UP puts you through their classes, and pays you for it, I think you have to pay at some of the other Class I railroads (kind of like college courses).  Hope this helps, feel free to email me if you have any more specific questions.

Answer 3

you need to have training usually, there's a company called Modoc Railroad Academy that provides it as well as others. Try looking at their websites. The major Class I's (BNSF, NS, UP, etc.) will have those listing or contact info there. Good luck!

Answer 4

BNSF.COM    Been with them for 10+ years and love every min. of it!

Answer 5

by appling for it if you have the nessary skills it is a pluss

Answer 6

CSX.com