National Salary Overview
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
VS
Ship Engineers earns $20,879 more (30.4%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$68,764
$89,643
Average (Mean) Salary
$69,815
$94,159
Total Employment
26,870
7,370
States with Higher Pay
3
14
Salary by State: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Ship Engineers
Showing 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 3 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 14.
| State | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | $78,720 | $108,140 | $-29,420 | ||
| Illinois | $72,350 | $76,890 | $-4,540 | ||
| Indiana | $80,550 | $82,200 | $-1,650 | ||
| Louisiana | $64,040 | $99,260 | $-35,220 | ||
| Maine | $74,060 | $66,350 | +$7,710 | ||
| Maryland | $76,200 | $97,330 | $-21,130 | ||
| Massachusetts | $84,010 | $96,180 | $-12,170 | ||
| Michigan | $62,590 | $68,860 | $-6,270 | ||
| Mississippi | $57,760 | $119,310 | $-61,550 | ||
| New York | $74,820 | $118,550 | $-43,730 | ||
| North Carolina | $78,490 | $58,700 | +$19,790 | ||
| Oregon | $64,150 | $83,730 | $-19,580 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $75,800 | $61,690 | +$14,110 | ||
| South Carolina | $78,500 | $97,980 | $-19,480 | ||
| Tennessee | $58,230 | $83,380 | $-25,150 | ||
| Texas | $64,770 | $118,490 | $-53,720 | ||
| Washington | $64,780 | $88,900 | $-24,120 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes more: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Ship Engineers?
On average across all states, a Ship Engineers earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $20,879 (30.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earn more than a Ship Engineers?
A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns a higher median salary than a Ship Engineers in 3 out of 17 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 14 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Ship Engineers?
The national median salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $68,764 per year, compared to $89,643 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Ship Engineers?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions and 7,370 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Ship Engineers?
Both Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters and Ship Engineers 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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