NOC 2021 · 73311 · TEER 3
NOC 73311: Railway conductors and brakemen/women
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
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 en route. They are employed by railway transport companies.
TEER
TEER 3
Usually needs a college diploma, an apprenticeship of less than 2 years, or more than 6 months of on-the-job training
Median wage (Canada)
$43.27 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 3
+20 CRS for Canadian work, or 50 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 73311 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: eligible occupationNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 73311 is in tier 3 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +20 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 50 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 73311 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Railway conductors
- Supervise and coordinate the activities of passenger and freight train crew members (except locomotive engineers) to ensure train operations are in accordance with schedule, train orders and code of operating rules
- 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 fares on board passenger trains, announce approaching train stops and answer passenger enquiries
- Prepare train run reports.
- Brakemen/women
- Check train systems and equipment such as 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 aid in the movement and operation of train
- Receive orders from traffic controllers, observe 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 required
- Assist in collecting fares and helping passengers on and off train.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example 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
All 20 job titles in NOC 73311
- brake worker - switching yard
- brakeman/woman
- brakeman/woman - railway
- brakeman/woman - railway yard
- brakeman/woman - switching yard
- conductor - railway yard
- conductor - road freight
- conductor - switching yard
- freight train brakeman/woman
- freight train conductor
- front-end brakeman/woman
- head brakeman/woman
- passenger train brakeman/woman
- passenger train conductor
- pullman conductor
- railway conductor
- road freight brakeman/woman
- sleeping car conductor
- tail-end brakeman/woman
- train conductor
Requirements
Employment requirements
- Completion of secondary school is usually required.
- Experience as a brakeman/woman is required for conductors.
- Experience as a railway worker is usually required for brakemen/women.
- Railway conductors require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
- Brakemen/women require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.
Additional information
- With experience, brakemen/women may progress to railway conductors.
- With experience, railway conductors may progress to locomotive engineers.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 73311 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $24.31 | $43.27 | $56.25 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| New Brunswick | $25.00 | $37.10 | $44.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Quebec | $37.00 | $47.00 | $57.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $26.67 | $44.00 | $50.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $26.00 | $41.67 | $62.50 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Saskatchewan | $25.53 | $45.83 | $69.23 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Alberta | $17.95 | $42.00 | $56.25 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| British Columbia | $29.63 | $41.32 | $52.84 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank's 3-year employment outlook for this occupation, by province and territory.
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in Ontario:
Approximately 1,400 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): more than 95%
62% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 38% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 44 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 45% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 19% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 25% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateSaskatchewan
The employment outlook will be Moderate for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in Saskatchewan for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in Saskatchewan:
Approximately 1,000 people work in this occupation.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): more than 95%
53% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 47% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 41 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 59% compared to 33% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 16% compared to 15% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 9% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 10% compared to 18% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 7% for all occupations
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to several new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in Alberta:
Approximately 1,050 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): more than 95%
56% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 44% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 42 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 94% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 6% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 10% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 49% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 20% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 15% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 11% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
LimitedBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Limited for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in British Columbia:
Approximately 1,150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): more than 95%
61% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 39% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 43 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 93% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 7% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 51% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 25% compared to 13% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 7% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
Very limitedQuebec
The employment outlook will be Very limited for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in Quebec:
Approximately 650 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 485-486, 487, 493): more than 95%
68% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 32% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 95% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 5% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 28% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 37% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 11% for all occupations
Very limitedManitoba
The employment outlook will be Very limited for railway conductors and brakemen/women (NOC 73311) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment decline will lead to the loss of some positions.
Not many positions will become available due to retirements.
There are several unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about railway conductors and brakemen/women in Manitoba:
Approximately 550 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Railway conductors and brakemen/women mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): more than 95%
46% of railway conductors and brakemen/women work all year, while 54% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 39 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: 50% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 24% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 16% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 6% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNova Scotia
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 73311 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Questions
NOC 73311: common questions
What is the NOC code for railway conductors and brakemen/women?
What TEER category is NOC 73311?
Is NOC 73311 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 73311 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 73311 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 73311 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 7Trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupationsBroad Category
- 73General tradesMajor Group
- 733Transportation occupationsSub-major Group
- 7331Train crew operating occupationsMinor Group
- 73311Railway conductors and brakemen/women
Enquiry
Is NOC 73311 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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