National Salary Overview
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS
Ship Engineers earns $32,019 more (43.8%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$73,115
$105,134
Average (Mean) Salary
$75,554
$106,570
Total Employment
35,760
7,760
States with Higher Pay
1
15
Salary by State: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Ship Engineers
Showing 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 1 states; Ship Engineers pays more in 15.
| State | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Ship Engineers | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $69,950 | $97,660 | $-27,710 | ||
| Florida | $79,600 | $130,480 | $-50,880 | ||
| Illinois | $79,820 | $115,310 | $-35,490 | ||
| Indiana | $81,260 | $122,190 | $-40,930 | ||
| Kentucky | $52,380 | $120,550 | $-68,170 | ||
| Louisiana | $62,170 | $103,430 | $-41,260 | ||
| Michigan | $78,960 | $79,170 | $-210 | ||
| Mississippi | $78,010 | $98,380 | $-20,370 | ||
| New York | $80,000 | $133,640 | $-53,640 | ||
| North Carolina | $58,930 | $65,010 | $-6,080 | ||
| Oregon | $68,580 | $88,800 | $-20,220 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 | $80,210 | +$3,400 | ||
| South Carolina | $73,660 | $97,890 | $-24,230 | ||
| Texas | $68,980 | $127,810 | $-58,830 | ||
| Virginia | $79,900 | $82,370 | $-2,470 | ||
| Washington | $79,040 | $107,940 | $-28,900 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Ship Engineers salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $32,019 (43.8%) based on 2025 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 1 out of 16 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Ship Engineers pays more in 15 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 $73,115 per year, compared to $105,134 for a Ship Engineers, according to 2025 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 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions and 7,760 Ship Engineers positions nationwide (2025).
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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