Which state pays the best to be a train conductor or as such the business in general?

Question

My boyfriend is interested in the railroad business after ETS'ing from the military. I was wondering which states offered the best income for rail workers (conductor is what he's thinking) but I know theres other positions he may have to cover before "going up the ranks".

Answer 1

Since railroads in the US are not state railways (except Amtrak as a federally funded outfit) you can work anywhere with nearly the same pay and benefits, as these are negotiated via national collective bargaining.  But, in some areas there are "vest pocket" agreements that apply either locally or in some other non-national application.

There are non-union short lines however and the pay and benefits are not nearly as lucrative.

You are quite correct in that there are many departments that offer employment.  If the ultimate goal is to wind up in the operating department as either conductor or locomotive engineer the first essential step is to get on with a rail road in any department openings there may be.  This of course will give him a leg up on the competition for one of these positions.

Thank your hubby for me for his service to our country.

Answer 2

My husband is a conductor and his pay varies Bi monthly.

It really depends on how much he gets out it breaks down to mileage. Generally all the states are close to the same amount.  If your looking for the extra $$ there are borrow-outs where you temporarily work out of state and get extra $ for  for showing up and working X amount of days, Reimbursements etc.  

It also depends on the individuals work ethic.

How often and eager you are to work.

Extra lists can bring in more than a Yard job (Flat Pay.)

Or a pool run from terminal to terminal (Mileage/overtime etc)

You can make anywhere from $30,000 your first year to $60,000 depending on that.  As time goes by it's not uncommon for someone to make $100,000+ a year without being in a management position but I think the average after about 3-5 years of service is somewhere around

$60,000+  

Although starting out most likely the big $ runs will be out of reach for awhile but still may be able to bid in on a few from time to time.

Take home will also depend one what gets taken out

(If the state has state tax or not will make a difference.)

Insurance benefits are great.

Good Luck

Answer 3

I work in Ontario, CAN as a conductor and make about $6500 a month before tax.  We start as conductors.  There is no junior positions.  After about 5-8 yrs, should be qualified as engineer.  Senior engineers as making about $100-130K a year.  Great job!