Railway Conductors and Brakemen/Women

(NOC 7362)

in All Trades and Transportation

Railway conductors coordinate and supervise the activities of passenger and freight train crew members. Brakemen check train brakes and other systems and equipment prior to train run and assist railway conductors in activities in transit. They work for railway transport companies.

Job Outlook

Undetermined

Estimate change in employment not available for this occupation.
Estimate 0 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for this occupation.

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Estimate 4040 employment change, 2021-2023
Estimate 8425 openings due to growth and retirements, 2021-2023
Estimate rate of unemployment not available for these occupation.

This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. The number employed in this occupation is expected to remain largely the same over the next few years. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Railway Conductors and Brakemen/women most commonly work full-time hours.

Hourly Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Annual Pay

N/A

Minimum

N/A

Median

N/A

Maximum

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

Hourly Pay

$13.50

Minimum

$27.25

Median

$35.50

Maximum

Annual Pay

$7,580

Minimum

$37,269

Median

$79,787

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Railway conductors:

Supervise and coordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members.
Receive train orders and explain orders to brakemen/women, locomotive engineer and other crew members.
Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to give and receive train operation information.
Collect fees on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger questions.
Prepare train run reports.

Brakemen:

Check train systems and equipment like air conditioning and heating systems, brakes and brake hoses prior to train run.
Communicate with train crew members by radio, signals or by other means to help in the movement and operation of train.
Receive orders from traffic controllers, watch signals and track conditions and open and close track switches.
Set and release hand brakes and connect air brake hoses to couple and switch passenger or freight cars, making minor repairs to couplings, air hoses and wheel-bearing boxes as needed.
Help in collecting fees and helping passengers on and off train.

Sample job titles

brakeman/woman
conductor - switching yard
freight train conductor
front-end brakeman/woman
passenger train conductor
railway conductor
road freight brakeman/woman
tail-end brakeman/woman

Skills

You should be responsible, reliable, and in good physical health. You must also be able to work on your own and carry out instructions given by your employer. Physical strength, stamina, and attention to detail are also assets.

Job requirements

High school is usually required.
Experience as a brakeman is necessary for conductors.
Experience as a railway worker is usually necessary for brakemen/women.
Railway conductors need a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
Brakemen need a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

Other considerations

Brakemen/women may move to railway conductors with experience. Railway conductors may move to locomotive engineers with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

< 50

employed in 2016

100.0%

employed full-time

0.0%

self employed

0.0%

100%

N/A

median age

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

57,925

employed in 2016

85.9%

employed full-time

11.8%

self employed

5.3%

94.7%

46.8

median age

Where will I likely work?

33.3%

Cape Breton

N/A

33.3%

Annapolis Valley

N/A

33.3%

North Shore

N/A

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

North Shore

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

100.0%

Transportation and warehousing

What is the age of Employment?

100.0%

55-64

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

24.4%

45-54

22.1%

55-64

17.7%

35-44

17.7%

25-34

10.9%

15-24

Top levels of education

100.0%

College Diploma

N/A

100.0%

Trade Certification

N/A

Compared to: All Trades and Transportation

29.2%

Trade Certification

$46,494 median annual income

25.5%

High school

$31,260 median annual income

22.3%

College Diploma

$42,050 median annual income

18.7%

Less than high school

$28,319 median annual income

2.8%

Bachelor

$30,527 median annual income

Education & training

High School Diploma or Equivalent

High School Program

Adults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS

admission@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College

Various, NS

Website

Adult High Schools

Various, NS

Website

Community Learning Organizations