National Salary Overview
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Median Salary
$73,115
Average (Mean)
$75,554
Employed Nationwide
35,760
VS
Transportation Inspectors earns $8,499 more (11.6%)
Key Metrics Compared
Median Salary
$73,115
$81,614
Average (Mean) Salary
$75,554
$88,538
Total Employment
35,760
22,870
States with Higher Pay
8
22
Salary by State: Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Transportation Inspectors
Showing 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pays more in 8 states; Transportation Inspectors pays more in 22.
| State | Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters | Transportation Inspectors | Difference | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | $78,080 | $62,250 | +$15,830 | ||
| Arkansas | $67,710 | $85,130 | $-17,420 | ||
| California | $69,950 | $83,000 | $-13,050 | ||
| Colorado | $77,550 | $81,820 | $-4,270 | ||
| Florida | $79,600 | $101,470 | $-21,870 | ||
| Georgia | $75,810 | $95,030 | $-19,220 | ||
| Illinois | $79,820 | $47,990 | +$31,830 | ||
| Indiana | $81,260 | $80,330 | +$930 | ||
| Kansas | $68,730 | $103,380 | $-34,650 | ||
| Kentucky | $52,380 | $83,970 | $-31,590 | ||
| Louisiana | $62,170 | $77,460 | $-15,290 | ||
| Maryland | $83,390 | $100,700 | $-17,310 | ||
| Michigan | $78,960 | $35,890 | +$43,070 | ||
| Minnesota | $78,930 | $92,860 | $-13,930 | ||
| Missouri | $68,030 | $64,690 | +$3,340 | ||
| New Mexico | $77,890 | $63,690 | +$14,200 | ||
| New York | $80,000 | $93,420 | $-13,420 | ||
| North Carolina | $58,930 | $84,470 | $-25,540 | ||
| Ohio | $61,390 | $77,010 | $-15,620 | ||
| Oklahoma | $102,260 | $111,070 | $-8,810 | ||
| Oregon | $68,580 | $78,110 | $-9,530 | ||
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 | $81,550 | +$2,060 | ||
| South Carolina | $73,660 | $80,490 | $-6,830 | ||
| South Dakota | $62,730 | $70,080 | $-7,350 | ||
| Tennessee | $71,740 | $78,430 | $-6,690 | ||
| Texas | $68,980 | $101,440 | $-32,460 | ||
| Virginia | $79,900 | $68,610 | +$11,290 | ||
| Washington | $79,040 | $104,250 | $-25,210 | ||
| West Virginia | $55,180 | $58,670 | $-3,490 | ||
| Wisconsin | $59,690 | $75,260 | $-15,570 |
Explore This Comparison by State
Dive deeper — see how Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs Transportation Inspectors salaries differ in each state, with local data and national benchmarks.
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 $8,499 (11.6%) based on 2025 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 8 out of 30 states where both occupations have BLS data. A Transportation Inspectors pays more in 22 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 $73,115 per year, compared to $81,614 for a Transportation Inspectors, according to 2025 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 35,760 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters positions and 22,870 Transportation Inspectors positions nationwide (2025).
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.
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