Subway and streetcar operators
SOC Code: 53-4041Also known as:
Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator, Light Rail Train Operator
Median Annual Salary
$84,830
+3.4% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
10K
Current Jobs
What Subway and streetcar operators Do
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
💰 Salary
$84,830
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+3.4%
As fast as average
🎓 Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Moderate-term on-the-job training
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
9,600
Projected Employment (2034)
9,900
Related Careers
Bus drivers, transit and intercity
$57,440 •
+4.3% growth
Taxi drivers
$36,220 •
+11.1% growth
Locomotive engineers
$77,400 •
+0.7% growth
Railroad brake, signal, and switch operators and locomotive firers
$65,480 •
+1.0% growth
Railroad conductors and yardmasters
$74,080 •
+1.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Operations Monitoring
Operation and Control
Active Listening
Speaking
Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- 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.
- Greet passengers, provide information, and answer questions concerning fares, schedules, transfers, and routings.
- Attend meetings on driver and passenger safety to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
High School Diploma
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Subway and streetcar operators
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a subway and streetcar operators:
Railroad and Railway Transportation
78 degrees awarded •
1 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Subway and streetcar operators
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become subway and streetcar operators.
| # | College | Location | Related Degrees | Repit Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Johnson County Community College | Overland Park, KS | 78 | C |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do subway and streetcar operators make?
The median annual salary for subway and streetcar operators is $84,830.
What education do subway and streetcar operators need?
Most subway and streetcar operators positions require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Common degree programs include Railroad and Railway Transportation.
Is becoming subway and streetcar operators a good career choice?
Subway and streetcar operators is projected to see +3.4% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is about average for all occupations. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for subway and streetcar operators?
Top colleges for aspiring subway and streetcar operators include
Johnson County Community College.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to subway and streetcar operators?
Subway and streetcar operators may also be known as: Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator, Light Rail Train Operator, Light Rail Transit Operator, Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator), Monorail Operator, Motor Operator, Rail Operator, Rail Transit Operator, Rapid Transit Operator (RTO), Service Vehicle Operator, Shuttle Route Vehicle Operator, Streetcar Motorman, Streetcar Operator, Subway Conductor, Subway Train Driver, Subway Train Operator, Track Car Operator.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.