Is it better to be a train conductor or engineer?

Because train engineers receive additional training and typically have more experience than conductors, they may earn a higher salary. Consider your budget and cost of living to decide whether a lower salary is enough for your needs if you're considering becoming a conductor.



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Train engineers are primarily responsible for operating the train. They work separately from passengers and other crew members to monitor the train's progress. A train conductor's primary responsibility is to oversee crew members, cargo, and passengers.

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The conductor is the “manager” of the train. It is his job to be in charge of the other train crew, and supervise the operation of the train. As the boss, the conductor is also in charge of making sure the train departs and arrives on time.

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A: You must work as a Conductor for two years before you can be enrolled in the Locomotive Engineer training program. After two years, your enrollment in the program is dependent on seniority and varies from terminal to terminal.

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The conductor is thus responsible for the safety of the passengers and some maintenance things in the cars. But this only applies to trains with a separate engine. On other trains the engineer is responsible for the safety of passengers, the cars and has authority over the conductor.

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Conductors work long days (anywhere from 11 to 13 hours, typically), they have to maneuver heavy machinery in sometimes terrible weather conditions, and they can't really plan time off for birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. A former conductor told Reddit: “It is a career that kills marriage.”

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May work nights, weekends, and holidays, since trains travel 24 hours a day, seven days a week. May work multiple shifts in one day. Choice of shift comes with seniority.

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The conductor is responsible for door control and observation and is located in the rear cab of the last car in a train.

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As an Amtrak Conductor, you may be on-call 24 hours 7 days a week, which may include nights, weekends, holidays or on-call for emergency situations. Work may require travel and time away from home, and you may have to report for duty twice in a 24-hour period.

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From the 1730s engineer in North American English was being used as a synonym for engineman, she says, applied specifically to the driver or operator of a fire engine, then later to drivers of steamships and steam-powered locomotives.

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A train driver, engine driver, engineman or locomotive driver, commonly known as an engineer or railroad engineer in the United States and Canada, and also as a locomotive handler, locomotive engineer, locomotive operator, train operator, or motorman, is a person who operates a train, railcar, or other rail transport ...

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It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads. I know of one case where a conductor got time off for a violation although it's not enforced very strictly,especially if both crew members are smokers. It's against the rules on CSX and probably most railroads.

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Day-to-day tasks make sure equipment, doors and controls are working properly. greet customers and create a welcoming atmosphere. walk through carriages during the journey to check tickets and travel documents. answer passengers' questions about routes, arrival times and connections.

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Conditions vary widely, since there are lots of older locomotive running around out there. The engineer sits on the right side of the engine cab, while the conductor/brakeman/person sits on the left side.

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Freight train conductors can't listen to music, books on tape, or do anything else that could potentially help them stay awake. Each freight train has two crew members, a conductor and an engineer.

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Railroad and subway drivers can experience psychological trauma when trains strike or nearly miss other trains, motor vehicles, or persons or become instruments of death.

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As a train conductor, your salary may vary based on several factors, including your location, employer, experience and education. Depending on the company where you work, your position may also come with various benefits, such as: Health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance. Retirement savings plan.

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