West Virginia Median
$55,180
per year
Hourly Rate
$26.53
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-29% vs US median
US median $78,000
State Rank
#32 of 33
320 employed here
How much do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make in West Virginia?
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters working in West Virginia earn a median salary of $55,180 per year, or about $26.53 per hour. That is 29% below the national median of $78,000 for this occupation.
Within West Virginia, entry-level pay starts around $46,570 while the top 10% make $99,330 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $55,160 and $76,820 a year.
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary range in West Virginia
| Pay level | Annual salary | Hourly rate | |
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $46,570 | $22.39 |
|
| 25th percentile (early career) | $55,160 | $26.52 |
|
| 50th percentile (median) | $55,180 | $26.53 |
|
| 75th percentile (experienced) | $76,820 | $36.93 |
|
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $99,330 | $47.75 |
|
How West Virginia compares
West Virginia ranks 32nd out of 33 states and territories for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters pay. The top 5 best-paying states:
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary in other states
Oklahoma $102,260Pennsylvania $83,610Maryland $83,390Indiana $81,260Delaware $80,410New York $80,000Virginia $79,900Illinois $79,820Florida $79,600Washington $79,040Michigan $78,960Minnesota $78,930Arizona $78,080Mississippi $78,010New Mexico $77,890Colorado $77,550Georgia $75,810South Carolina $73,660Tennessee $71,740California $69,950Texas $68,980Kansas $68,730Oregon $68,580Wyoming $68,430Missouri $68,030Arkansas $67,710South Dakota $62,730Louisiana $62,170Ohio $61,390Wisconsin $59,690North Carolina $58,930Kentucky $52,380
Working as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in West Virginia
Nationally, about 46,000 people work as Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.
Considering a move? Compare West Virginia pay ($55,180) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.
Frequently asked questions
How much do Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters make in West Virginia?
The median Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary in West Virginia is $55,180 per year, or about $26.53 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $46,570 at the entry level to $99,330 for the top 10% of earners.
How does West Virginia pay compare to the national average?
West Virginia pays Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters about 29% less than the national median of $78,000. West Virginia ranks 32nd out of 33 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is West Virginia a good state for Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $55,180 a year. About 320 Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters are employed in West Virginia. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in West Virginia?
The highest-paying occupations in West Virginia include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($597,740), Emergency Medicine Physician ($491,230), Radiologist ($471,650), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.
← See the national Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters salary report
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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.