Train Conductor

The conductor position can often mean a significant lifestyle change as the work schedule is often non-traditional and requires many to be available to work on short notice.

Please click on the links below to see our Frequently Asked Questions and watch a short video about the roles and responsibilities of a conductor prior to submitting your application.

Conductor FAQ

NS Conductor Job Information

Compensation

During training a conductor trainee will earn $185 each day/shift worked.

Once you complete the conductor training program and become a conductor, you will likely be assigned to a conductor extra board which has guaranteed minimum earnings of approximately $52,000 per year. Guaranteed minimum earnings progressively increase over the next five years to approximately $63,500 per year. Many conductors earn more than the guaranteed minimum due to work opportunities at their location. Based on your seniority, you will be able to bid on jobs which offer a higher earning potential.

Based on your location's needs and seniority, a conductor will be required to promote to a locomotive engineer position. A locomotive engineer assigned to the extra board has a guarantee minimum earnings of approximately $94,000. Many engineers will often earn $100,000+ due to work opportunities at their location.

Additionally, new hire conductor trainees are eligible for three incentive payments totaling $2,500 or $5,000 for achieving the below milestones:

• $500 or $1,000 after successful completion of the the conductor trainee training examinations (approximately week 5 of employment)

• $1,000 or $2,000 after successful completion of the conductor training program (approximately week 13 of employment)

• $1,000 or $2,000 nine (9) months after completion of the conductor training program

Training

Norfolk Southern utilizes a comprehensive training program for both conductor and locomotive engineer, consisting of classroom and field training. Successful completion of these programs is a requirement for employment. Conductor trainees should expect to go through a training program of approximately 10-13 weeks before promoting to a conductor position. The first 2 weeks of employment will occur at the Norfolk Southern Training Center in McDonough, GA. individuals are responsible for providing their own transportation to the hotel provided by NS, and to the training center each day. NS will reimburse mileage to the training center, meals, and provide hotel accommodation. The remaining 8-11 weeks of training will take place at or near the hire location

Work Schedule

A conductor trainee should expect to work a schedule similar to that of a conductor. As a newly qualified conductor you will most likely be assigned to a conductors' extra board. Conductor extra boards have schedules with a minimum of two rest days for every six consecutive working days. While not on your rest days, you are subject to be called to work 24 hours a day, on an as-needed basis. Extra board work schedules are irregular and are determined by business needs.

You will be required to report to your work location within a 90-minute notice regardless of time or weather conditions. Reliable transportation is necessary. Also, depending on your job assignment, you may be required to routinely spend time away from home.

A conductor trainee and conductor should have reliable transportation to and from their training and work locations.

Benefits

Medical insurance for you, your spouse, and eligible dependents is provided on the first day of the second calendar month of employment.

After one year of employment, you are eligible for dental insurance to cover yourself and eligible dependents, a $20,000 life insurance plan for yourself, and participation in the Norfolk Southern 401(K) plan. You are subject to Railroad Retirement taxes paid at a rate equivalent to Social Security tax plus an additional 4.9%. You are also covered by Railroad Retirement benefits and, following completion of the service requirement, you will be eligible for Railroad Retirement benefits.

Additional information on benefits can be found at YourTrackToHealth.com

Union Membership

You will be required to join a union within 60 days of becoming a conductor and establishing a seniority date.

Work Environment

A conductor should expect to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions. This may mean working in poor weather conditions day or night.

Alcohol and Drug Policy

Employees in Train and Engine Service are subject to random alcohol and drug testing as per the Federal Railroad Administration Guidelines. The Norfolk Southern Policy is ZERO TOLERANCE. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) is a Fortune 300 organization and one of the nation’s premier transportation companies. Its Norfolk Southern Railway Company subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 22 states and the District of Columbia, serves every major container port in the eastern United States, and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers. Norfolk Southern is a major transporter of industrial products, including chemicals, agriculture, and metals and construction materials. In addition, the railroad operates the most extensive intermodal network in the East and is a principal carrier of coal, automobiles, and automotive parts.

At Norfolk Southern, we believe in celebrating our individuality. By leveraging the unique backgrounds and viewpoints of our employees, we can create a culture of innovation, respect, and inclusion. We know that employees thrive in a workplace where differing viewpoints, ideas, and experiences are freely shared and valued. As such, we encourage all employees to contribute their distinctive skills and capabilities to our organization.

Equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, and gender identity. Together, we power progress.