Railroad and Railway Transportation: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Trainees in this program develop comprehensive expertise in the technical and operational aspects of modern railroad and railway systems. The curriculum equips individuals with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to navigate complex rail environments safely and efficiently.
- Railway Culture and Industry Standards: Explore the historical evolution, professional ethics, and organizational frameworks that shape the railway sector, emphasizing industry norms and collaborative practices.
- Operating Skills and Conductor Service: Master essential duties performed by train conductors, including train inspection, crew coordination, and passenger or freight handling procedures.
- General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR): Study standardized protocols that govern train movements, ensuring safety, consistency, and compliance across national and regional rail networks.
- Signal Systems and Railway Communications: Learn how visual, electronic, and digital signaling systems guide train operations, along with the use of telecommunications for real-time coordination and emergency response.
- Switching and Yard Operations: Gain proficiency in managing rail car movements within railyards, including coupling, uncoupling, routing, and inventory control to support efficient freight logistics.
- Hazardous Materials Transportation: Understand the regulations, safety procedures, and specialized handling techniques required when transporting flammable, toxic, or otherwise dangerous cargo by rail.
- Rail Safety and Risk Mitigation: Focus on preventive strategies, emergency preparedness, and regulatory compliance to minimize accidents and ensure operational integrity.
Railroad and Railway Transportation Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Railroad and Railway Transportation Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Railroad and Railway Transportation degrees, including Subway and Streetcar Operators, Locomotive Engineers and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 101,180 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subway and Streetcar Operators 53-4041 | $84,830 | $52,260 - $87,940 | 9,200 | $40.78 |
| Locomotive Engineers 53-4011 | $77,400 | $60,980 - $100,690 | 31,990 | $37.21 |
| Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters 53-4031 | $74,080 | $53,490 - $103,350 | 42,710 | $35.62 |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers 53-4022 | $65,480 | $43,750 - $80,840 | 12,460 | $31.48 |
| Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers 53-4013 | $58,030 | $44,510 - $79,070 | 3,300 | $27.90 |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other 53-4099 | $49,330 | $34,690 - $82,620 | 1,520 | $23.72 |
Railroad and Railway Transportation Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $52,093 in North Carolina to $103,010 in Connecticut—a 98% difference. The highest-paying states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 101,180 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Railroad and Railway Transportation by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 1 institutions offering Railroad and Railway Transportation programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Railroad and Railway Transportation is found at Johnson County Community College (JCCC) (78 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 78 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson County Community College (JCCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
78 | Overland Park, Kansas | Public | jccc.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Railroad and Railway Transportation programs
How much can I earn with a Railroad and Railway Transportation degree?
Salaries for Railroad and Railway Transportation graduates vary by role and location. Subway and Streetcar Operators earn a median of $84,830 annually, while Locomotive Engineers earn around $77,400. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Connecticut average $103,010 compared to $52,093 in North Carolina. Approximately 101,180 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Railroad and Railway Transportation programs?
Currently 1 accredited institutions offer Railroad and Railway Transportation degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Johnson County Community College (JCCC) (78 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Railroad and Railway Transportation growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 175 in 2010 to a peak of 171 in 2020, before declining slightly to 78 in 2023-24. This represents a 55% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Railroad and Railway Transportation degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Subway and Streetcar Operators, Locomotive Engineers, and Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters. Related occupations employ approximately 101,180 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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