Railway Conductors and Brakemen/Women
(NOC 7362)
in All Trades and TransportationRailway 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
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. 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
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$13.50
Minimum$27.25
Median$35.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
North Shore
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
College certificate or diploma
N/ATrades certificate
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trades certificate
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.
Not Provincially Regulated: This job may be regulated by a federal regulatory body.
Contacts
Additional resources
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.