Accepted job with union pacific railroad train crew in chicago wanted to know realistic pay for first year?

will be investing in real estate and need alot of cash... i hear they make good money but can anyone give me a realistic amount that can be made in my first and upcoming year?? i have worked 12 hr days for over a year twice... once in iraq and once in kuwait.. once as a soldier once as a contractor for a private company... also are my chances good of being promoted quick... i work hard and learn fast...will i have anytime to further my education either by taking a cl or two on campus at a community college ?? or online??