Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters Salary in California
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in California make a median of $67,550 a year, or about $32.48 an hour. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $105K for experienced workers.
Statewide average. This is an aggregate across all of California. BLS does not publish metro-level data for this occupation in this state.
So what does $68K get you in California?
About railroad conductors and yardmasters
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Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level railroad conductors and yardmasters (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $68K. Top earners bring in $105K or more, a $38K spread from bottom to top.
Compare to other states
Track railroad conductors and yardmasters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Transportation
Frequently asked questions
How much do railroad conductors and yardmasters make in California?
The median is $67,550 a year, that works out to about $32 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $67,010, and experienced railroad conductors and yardmasters can clear $104,690. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $68K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,451/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,471/month, which eats 55.5% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb, housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a railroad conductors and yardmasters salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median railroad conductors and yardmasters salary is worth about $63,642 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do railroad conductors and yardmasters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.