Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand: Who Earns More?
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters out-earn Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters land at $78,000 and Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand at $40,240. The education gap is real: railroad conductors and yardmaster programs typically require no formal educational credential, while laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters is Oklahoma ($102,260); for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand it's Minnesota ($46,280).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earn more nationally. The median is $78,000 for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters versus $40,240 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand has the better 10-year outlook at 1.5% projected growth, compared to 1.1% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters or Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand?
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters typically requires no formal educational credential. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters get paid the most?
Oklahoma is the top-paying state for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters at $102,260/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters vs. Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Pennsylvania, Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters earn $83,610 vs. $42,480 for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.