National Salary Overview
VS
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns $414 more (0.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$72,700
$73,115
Average (Mean) Salary
$74,668
$75,554
Total Employment
41,870
35,760
States with Higher Pay
13
20
Salary by State: Crane and Tower Operators vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Showing 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. Crane and Tower Operators pays more in 13 states; Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 20.
| State | Crane and Tower Operators | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $67,350 | $78,080 | $-10,730 | ||
| Arkansas | $41,600 | $67,710 | $-26,110 | ||
| California | $79,570 | $69,950 | +$9,620 | ||
| Colorado | $77,120 | $77,550 | $-430 | ||
| Delaware | $60,160 | $80,410 | $-20,250 | ||
| Florida | $71,560 | $79,600 | $-8,040 | ||
| Georgia | $62,050 | $75,810 | $-13,760 | ||
| Illinois | $61,820 | $79,820 | $-18,000 | ||
| Indiana | $52,950 | $81,260 | $-28,310 | ||
| Kansas | $77,100 | $68,730 | +$8,370 | ||
| Kentucky | $62,000 | $52,380 | +$9,620 | ||
| Louisiana | $61,170 | $62,170 | $-1,000 | ||
| Maryland | $87,950 | $83,390 | +$4,560 | ||
| Michigan | $59,740 | $78,960 | $-19,220 | ||
| Minnesota | $80,930 | $78,930 | +$2,000 | ||
| Mississippi | $61,260 | $78,010 | $-16,750 | ||
| Missouri | $58,450 | $68,030 | $-9,580 | ||
| New Mexico | $62,400 | $77,890 | $-15,490 | ||
| New York | $85,850 | $80,000 | +$5,850 | ||
| North Carolina | $64,480 | $58,930 | +$5,550 | ||
| Ohio | $57,620 | $61,390 | $-3,770 | ||
| Oklahoma | $63,590 | $102,260 | $-38,670 | ||
| Oregon | $83,260 | $68,580 | +$14,680 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $65,190 | $83,610 | $-18,420 | ||
| South Carolina | $64,120 | $73,660 | $-9,540 | ||
| South Dakota | $71,000 | $62,730 | +$8,270 | ||
| Tennessee | $59,410 | $71,740 | $-12,330 | ||
| Texas | $73,280 | $68,980 | +$4,300 | ||
| Virginia | $66,600 | $79,900 | $-13,300 | ||
| Washington | $101,110 | $79,040 | +$22,070 | ||
| West Virginia | $54,830 | $55,180 | $-350 | ||
| Wisconsin | $67,720 | $59,690 | +$8,030 | ||
| Wyoming | $77,970 | $68,430 | +$9,540 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Crane and Tower Operators vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
On average across all states, a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns more than a Crane and Tower Operators. The national median salary difference is $414 (0.6%) based on 2025 BLS data.
In how many states does a Crane and Tower Operators earn more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
A Crane and Tower Operators earns a higher median salary than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in 13 out of 33 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 20 states.
What is the median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators vs Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
The national median salary for a Crane and Tower Operators is $72,700 per year, compared to $73,115 for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters, according to 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
There are more people employed as Crane and Tower Operators. BLS reports approximately 41,870 Crane and Tower Operators positions and 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions nationwide (2025).
Should I become a Crane and Tower Operators or Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Both Crane and Tower Operators and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters are viable career paths. Beyond salary, consider factors like job availability in your state, work-life balance, education requirements, growth potential, and personal interests. Visit each occupation's salary page for state-specific data and career insights.
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