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Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$69,950
Median Annual Salary
▲
+3.6% vs 2024
$76,110
Mean Salary
$69,950
Median Salary
$33.63
Hourly Rate
1,500 people work as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California earn a median salary of $69,950 per year ($5,829/month).
This is 4.3% below the national average of $73,115.
California ranks #20 out of 33 states for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pay.
Approximately 1,500 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries increased by 3.6% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within railroad yard, industrial plant, or similar location. Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight trains. Yardmasters review train schedules and switching orders and coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains and yard switching.
Top Skills
Speaking
3.75
Monitoring
3.75
Coordination
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.62
Active Listening
3.5
Key Knowledge Areas
Public Safety and Security
3.98
Transportation
3.95
English Language
3.46
Education and Training
3.11
Law and Government
3.01
Typical Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
(85.6% of workers)
Salary Range: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California
Salaries for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California range from $69,230 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $113,680 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $69,230 and $77,630.
Median $69,950
P10: $69,230P25: $69,230P75: $77,630P90: $113,680
10th
$69,230
25th
$69,230
Median
$69,950
75th
$77,630
90th
$113,680
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$69,230
$33.28
$5,769
25th Percentile
$69,230
$33.28
$5,769
Median (50th)
$69,950
$33.63
$5,829
75th Percentile
$77,630
$37.32
$6,469
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$113,680
$54.65
$9,473
Note: The mean (average) salary of $76,110 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
📊 How Does This Compare?
#20
California ranks #20 of 33 states
$73,115
National avg. for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
How much do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make in California?
The median annual salary for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California is $69,950 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $76,110.
What is the salary range for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California?
Salaries for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California range from $69,230 at the 10th percentile to $113,680 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $69,230 and $77,630.
What is the starting salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California?
Entry-level Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions in California typically start around $69,230 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $69,230 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 1,500 people are employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California is approximately $33.63 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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