Subway and Streetcar Operators
Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Median pay: $86,380/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +3.4% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
• Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.
• Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.
• Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
• Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
• Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
• Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
• Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.
What's the median pay for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
The median pay for Subway and Streetcar Operators is $86,380 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
Employment for Subway and Streetcar Operators is projected to change +3.4% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
Typical entry-level education: High school diploma or equivalent.
How many job openings are there each year for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
About 900 openings per year, on average, over the decade.