Train conductor
Also known as: train attendant, rail conductor, train guard, railway conductor, conductor on trains
About this occupation
Train conductors assist passengers in the boarding and leaving of the train. They answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and provide timetable information. They collect tickets, fares, and passes from passengers and support the chief conductor in performing his operational tasks e.g in regard to door closing or certain operational communication. They ensure the safety of passengers respond to technical incidents and emergency situations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- check carriages
- focus on passengers
- monitor customer inquiries
- provide information to passengers
- speak different languages
- sell train tickets
- operate railway communication systems
- supervise movement of passengers
- assist passengers with timetable information
- assist disabled passengers
- answer questions about the train transport service
- handle petty cash
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (O*NET 53-4031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Observe yard traffic to determine tracks available to accommodate inbound and outbound traffic.
- Receive instructions from dispatchers regarding trains' routes, timetables, and cargoes.
- Direct and instruct workers engaged in yard activities, such as switching tracks, coupling and uncoupling cars, and routing inbound and outbound traffic.
- Signal engineers to begin train runs, stop trains, or change speed, using telecommunications equipment or hand signals.
- Direct engineers to move cars to fit planned train configurations, combining or separating cars to make up or break up trains.
- Confirm routes and destination information for freight cars.
- Typical education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Speaking, Monitoring, Coordination, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Judgment and Decision Making
US median pay: US$78,000 a year (2025), 46,440 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageImportant (3.5)
- Government and PoliticsO*NET: Law and GovernmentImportant (3.0)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Locomotive Engineers
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
- Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers
- Subway and Streetcar Operators
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
- First-Line Supervisors of Material-Moving Machine and Vehicle Operators
- Air Traffic Controllers
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Airfield Operations Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.