Railroad Conductor Salary in California
Railroad Conductors in California earn an average of $83,644 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.9% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$83,644
per year
Hourly Rate
$40.21
per hour
vs National
+15.9%
$72,180 national
Salary Range
$54,870
to $120,234
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$83,644
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$58,904
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Railroad Conductor's salary of $83,644 has the purchasing power of $58,904 in an average-cost area.
Railroad Conductor Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $99,400 | $47.79/hr | $66,692 | $138,878 | 61 |
| San Jose, CA | $99,215 | $47.70/hr | $65,245 | $143,338 | 51 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $79,000 | $37.98/hr | $53,021 | $111,635 | 68 |
| San Diego, CA | $77,322 | $37.17/hr | $49,491 | $112,424 | 46 |
| Sacramento, CA | $75,742 | $36.41/hr | $47,937 | $113,265 | 45 |
| Riverside, CA | $71,187 | $34.22/hr | $46,833 | $101,864 | 45 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Railroad Conductor Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 316 Railroad Conductors employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Railroad Conductor Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$54,870
Starting salary for new Railroad Conductors
Median (50th Percentile)
$83,644
Mid-career Railroad Conductor salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$120,234
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Railroad Conductor Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Railroad Conductor salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Railroad Conductor salary in California?
The average Railroad Conductor salary in California is $83,644 per year ($40.21/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.9% above the national average of $72,180.
What is the highest paying city for Railroad Conductors in California?
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying city for Railroad Conductors in California, with a median salary of $99,400 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $71,187.
What is the salary range for Railroad Conductors in California?
Railroad Conductor salaries in California range from $54,870 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $120,234 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $83,644 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.