Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $85,560 +15.5% vs national
Median hourly $41.14
10th percentile $57,670
90th percentile $94,390
Employed locally 110
National median $74,080

Compare Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary & buying power

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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $57,670
    25th
    $57,700
    50th (median)
    $85,560
    75th
    $94,390
    90th
    $94,390

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary vs area income 96% Median Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary is 4% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $92,400
    Duluth, MN-WI $83,200
    Indiana $82,460
    Florida $82,060
    Delaware $80,970
    Pennsylvania $79,180

    Nearby metros — Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Illinois $75,970

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$40,030
    Stockers and Order Fillers$37,940
    Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$62,430
    Light Truck Drivers$47,270
    Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$46,760
    Packers and Packagers, Hand$36,680

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in Chicago, IL-IN is $41.14, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $46.21 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries?

    The median Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 15.5% above the national median of $74,080. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in Chicago?

    Entry-level Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (10th percentile) earn around $57,670 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $57,700.