Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Transportation Inspectors: Salary Comparison

Side-by-side salary data across all 50 states. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024).

National Salary Overview

Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters

Median Salary
$68,764
Average (Mean)
$69,815
Employed Nationwide
26,870
VS

Transportation Inspectors

Median Salary
$77,996
Average (Mean)
$82,685
Employed Nationwide
19,070
Transportation Inspectors earns $9,232 more (13.4%)

Key Metrics Compared

Median Salary $68,764 $77,996
Average (Mean) Salary $69,815 $82,685
Total Employment 26,870 19,070
States with Higher Pay 13 21

Salary by State: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Transportation Inspectors

Showing 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 13 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 21.

State Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Transportation Inspectors Difference
Arizona $64,710
$44,880
+$19,830
Arkansas $63,340
$81,160
$-17,820
California $64,760
$74,780
$-10,020
Colorado $80,500
$55,820
+$24,680
Delaware $75,450
$65,280
+$10,170
Florida $78,720
$83,350
$-4,630
Idaho $67,740
$104,060
$-36,320
Illinois $72,350
$61,450
+$10,900
Indiana $80,550
$65,440
+$15,110
Iowa $73,080
$71,310
+$1,770
Kansas $63,510
$99,520
$-36,010
Kentucky $49,530
$88,780
$-39,250
Louisiana $64,040
$85,570
$-21,530
Maine $74,060
$52,890
+$21,170
Maryland $76,200
$85,260
$-9,060
Massachusetts $84,010
$92,870
$-8,860
Michigan $62,590
$77,660
$-15,070
Mississippi $57,760
$70,790
$-13,030
Missouri $63,570
$54,530
+$9,040
Montana $72,220
$60,160
+$12,060
Nebraska $74,130
$94,690
$-20,560
New York $74,820
$87,380
$-12,560
North Carolina $78,490
$73,200
+$5,290
Ohio $61,160
$75,920
$-14,760
Oklahoma $72,460
$91,100
$-18,640
Oregon $64,150
$91,100
$-26,950
Pennsylvania $75,800
$67,180
+$8,620
South Carolina $78,500
$76,000
+$2,500
South Dakota $59,150
$73,880
$-14,730
Tennessee $58,230
$76,230
$-18,000
Texas $64,770
$81,020
$-16,250
Washington $64,780
$95,730
$-30,950
West Virginia $59,680
$47,740
+$11,940
Wisconsin $64,870
$104,580
$-39,710

Frequently Asked Questions

Who makes more: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Transportation Inspectors?
On average across all states, a Transportation Inspectors earns more than a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. The national median salary difference is $9,232 (13.4%) based on 2024 BLS data.
In how many states does a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earn more than a Transportation Inspectors?
A Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earns a higher median salary than a Transportation Inspectors in 13 out of 34 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 21 states.
What is the median salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Transportation Inspectors?
The national median salary for a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is $68,764 per year, compared to $77,996 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2024 BLS OEWS data.
Which has more jobs: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Transportation Inspectors?
There are more people employed as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. BLS reports approximately 26,870 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions and 19,070 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2024).
Should I become a Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Transportation Inspectors?
Both Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters and Transportation Inspectors 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.