Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in New York, NY-NJ

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ

Median annual salary $78,050 +5.4% vs national
Median hourly $37.52
10th percentile $54,170
90th percentile $78,050
Employed locally 3,860
National median $74,080

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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
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New York, NY-NJ
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    In New York-NJ, railroad conductors and yardmasters earn a median annual salary of $78,050, which is slightly higher than the national median of $74,080. This translates to a median hourly wage of $37.52. When compared to the local area's median household income of $97,334, the typical earnings for this occupation are somewhat lower, indicating that railroad conductors and yardmasters might not earn as much individually as some other professions within the same region. The estimated employment for this role stands at 3,860, reflecting a modest but stable demand for these positions in the area.

    For entry-level workers, salaries begin around $54,170 annually, which is at the 10th percentile of earnings for railroad conductors and yardmasters in New York-NJ. In contrast, experienced workers can earn up to the median salary of $78,050, with top earners reaching this figure at the 75th and even the 90th percentiles. The primary factors driving these differences include years of experience, level of responsibility, specific skills, and any additional certifications or training that enhance job performance. Furthermore, seniority and union negotiations can also play significant roles in determining an individual's salary within this field.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $54,170
    25th
    $64,010
    50th (median)
    $78,050
    75th
    $78,050
    90th
    $78,050

    New York economic context

    Unemployment rate 4.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $97,334 2023 • Census ACS
    Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary vs area income 80% Median Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary is 20% below the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

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

    The median hourly wage for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in New York, NY-NJ is $37.52, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $38.46 or more per hour.

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

    The median Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary in New York, NY-NJ is 5.4% 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 New York?

    Entry-level Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters (10th percentile) earn around $54,170 per year in New York, NY-NJ. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $64,010.