Thanks for the info. on Norfolk Southern; any more?

Question

I'm just worried b/c I am leaving a $50K per year job to be a conductor, and though I'm told I'll make 45-50K starting out, I find that hard to believe when I crunch the numbers. Any more info/tips out there about this?

Answer 1

Our new conductors here on the UPRR are making that to start.Just remember most railroads now force you to accept promotion to engineer(i know for sure the UP does)so you might check on that first.On the UPRR when you go into engine service it's a must pass thing,if you wash out as an engineer your on the street.It used to be you just went back to being a conductor but no more.I'm not trying to scare you off but i thought it's something you should be aware of.Like i said you might check and see if it's the same policy on the NS.The railroad can be a great job if you don't mind working all different hours of the day and night.It can be tough on your family and social life though.Personally i like it but it's not for everyone.The benefits and retirement are hard to beat though.

Answer 2

i'd believe it, i was making 40-50 K $ /year as a ticket clerk for amtrak, and that was 6-8 years ago, and freight conductors get paid more than we did.  engineers that i knew were making 80 K +/year, again at amtrak 6-8 years ago.

remember, if you are starting out at 45K/yr, you will get pay raises for at least 3-5 years, so you will easily surpass your current earnings in a year or two.  long-term, you will have much more money as a railroad worker.

the negative side, of course, is that you have to work a lot for it.  traveling can be fun, but traveling can also be a strain on your life, your friends, and your family (esp if you have kids or wife).

my personal thoughts is that being a conductor is hard work, and not what i would like.  i'd rather work in an office on a computer.  but others like to work outside, and its great when the weather is nice, kind of sucks if it is -10 degrees in a blizzard and you have to get out there to uncouple cars, unstick brakes, or throw a switch.

if you are single, go for it!  conductors can be promoted to engineer over time too, so there is room to move up in future.