Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary by State
The national median pay for railroad conductors and yardmasters is $78,000 a year. By state, it ranges from $52,380 in Kentucky to $102,260 in Oklahoma.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
U.S. pay range
- Lowest 10%
- $58,740
- 25th percentile
- $65,610
- Median
- $78,000
- 75th percentile
- $83,820
- Top 10%
- $109,770
Annual pay, all U.S. workers in this job. About 46,440 jobs.
Median pay in 33 states
| # | State | Median | vs. U.S. | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oklahoma | $102,260 | +31% | $51,360 | $128,140 | 310 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $83,610 | +7% | $58,990 | $83,870 | 2,750 |
| 3 | Maryland | $83,390 | +7% | $65,300 | $97,510 | 300 |
| 4 | Indiana | $81,260 | +4% | $64,240 | $96,820 | 1,720 |
| 5 | Delaware | $80,410 | +3% | $74,530 | $130,710 | Not published |
| 6 | New York | $80,000 | +3% | $65,610 | $109,770 | 6,980 |
| 7 | Virginia | $79,900 | +2% | $63,860 | $79,900 | 900 |
| 8 | Illinois | $79,820 | +2% | $63,290 | $134,440 | 2,790 |
| 9 | Florida | $79,600 | +2% | $50,430 | $121,460 | 760 |
| 10 | Washington | $79,040 | +1% | $63,880 | $120,630 | 810 |
| 11 | Michigan | $78,960 | +1% | $58,850 | $92,710 | 760 |
| 12 | Minnesota | $78,930 | +1% | $78,800 | $91,400 | 830 |
| 13 | Arizona | $78,080 | 0% | $62,930 | $121,330 | 460 |
| 14 | Mississippi | $78,010 | 0% | $49,030 | $137,590 | 440 |
| 15 | New Mexico | $77,890 | 0% | $64,890 | $77,890 | 400 |
| 16 | Colorado | $77,550 | −1% | $59,020 | $123,860 | 490 |
| 17 | Georgia | $75,810 | −3% | $46,450 | $126,950 | 1,740 |
| 18 | South Carolina | $73,660 | −6% | $73,660 | $73,660 | 420 |
| 19 | Tennessee | $71,740 | −8% | $47,220 | $92,980 | 790 |
| 20 | California | $69,950 | −10% | $69,230 | $113,680 | 1,500 |
| 21 | Texas | $68,980 | −12% | $45,680 | $79,400 | 4,640 |
| 22 | Kansas | $68,730 | −12% | $49,190 | $71,400 | 1,200 |
| 23 | Oregon | $68,580 | −12% | $59,160 | $77,160 | 390 |
| 24 | Wyoming | $68,430 | −12% | $68,430 | $107,560 | Not published |
| 25 | Missouri | $68,030 | −13% | $59,990 | $68,590 | 970 |
| 26 | Arkansas | $67,710 | −13% | $47,210 | $83,290 | 390 |
| 27 | South Dakota | $62,730 | −20% | $46,320 | $80,580 | 90 |
| 28 | Louisiana | $62,170 | −20% | $45,240 | $71,850 | 390 |
| 29 | Ohio | $61,390 | −21% | $61,340 | $67,600 | 1,480 |
| 30 | Wisconsin | $59,690 | −23% | $50,540 | $74,500 | 630 |
| 31 | North Carolina | $58,930 | −24% | $52,040 | $92,220 | Not published |
| 32 | West Virginia | $55,180 | −29% | $46,570 | $99,330 | 320 |
| 33 | Kentucky | $52,380 | −33% | $30,620 | $76,280 | 110 |
BLS OEWS May 2025 state estimates. States without published data are not listed. “Not published”: BLS withheld the value or it is above the highest amount BLS publishes. Pay is not adjusted for living costs.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary questions
Which state pays railroad conductors and yardmasters the most?
Oklahoma, with a median of $102,260 a year (+31% vs. the national median of $78,000). BLS May 2025.
Which state pays railroad conductors and yardmasters the least?
Kentucky, with a median of $52,380 a year (−33% vs. national).
Where do most railroad conductors and yardmasters work?
New York has the most jobs, about 6,980, with a median of $80,000.
Does a higher salary mean more money left over?
Not always. These are pay figures only. Living costs, taxes and housing differ a lot between states, and this page does not adjust for them.