How the national numbers differ
1Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters has the edge on annual openings
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is at 3,000 annual openings, compared with 900 annual openings for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters has the edge on median pay
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is at $78,000, compared with $68,840 for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters has the edge on projected growth
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is at 0.9% projected growth, compared with 0.8% projected growth for Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers.
43.2/ 100Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
vs
53.2/ 100Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Each available metric is ranked from 0 to 100 against the careers on ChooseField. The weighted average uses this profile: pay 30%, growth 25%, openings 30%, preparation level 15%. Missing values are not scored as zero; their weights are redistributed across available metrics. Occupation size has zero weight: employment is not accessible vacancies. Preparation categories do not measure admission difficulty or years without earnings. The score summarizes national measures; local opportunities and personal fit still need separate consideration.
Detailed evidence
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
| Dimension | Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters |
|---|
| Median pay (2025) | $68,840 | $78,000 |
|---|
| Pay percentile | 60.3 percentile | 69.1 percentile |
|---|
| Projected growth (2025–2035) | 0.8% | 0.9% |
|---|
| Annual openings (2025–2035) | 900 | 3,000 |
|---|
| 2025 employment | 10,700 | 38,900 |
|---|
| How you qualify | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing | High school diploma or equivalent; More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing |
| O*NET preparation group | Job Zone 2 | Job Zone 2 |
| Related work experience | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. | No prior related occupation is typically required; employer requirements vary. |
| On-the-job training | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. | More than one month and up to 12 months of on-the-job training, in addition to any qualifying education or licensing. |
The table reports national benchmarks and reviewed work descriptions. It does not rate personal suitability, job security, or physical safety.
