Subway and Streetcar Operators
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Also called: Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator, Light Rail Train Operator, Light Rail Transit Operator
Median pay
$86,380
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$55,180 – $90,140
People employed
10,200
Holland code
RCS
Realistic · Conventional · Social
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
- 2.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 5.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
- 6.Do you enjoy serving customers or the public?
- 7.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 8.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
The hard parts
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Tight deadlines are common
Subway and Streetcar Operators pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (13 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What subway and streetcar operators do
- 01Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
- 02Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.
- 03Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.
- 04Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
- 05Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
- 06Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
Skills that matter most
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Education and Training
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Cautiousness
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs a high school diploma (O*NET Job Zone 2).
- Related work experience: none.
- On-the-job training: over 1 month, up to and including 3 months.
- A certification can help.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from subway and streetcar operators
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity80% · −32%
- Commercial Pilots74% · +43%
- Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors, Except Aviation74% · group pay
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers73% · −32%
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels70% · +7%
Change into subway and streetcar operators
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity93% · $59,050
- Bus Drivers, School89% · $47,920
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs87% · $37,290
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers79% · $58,640
- Light Truck Drivers78% · $44,860
Majors that lead here
- Railroad and Railway Transportation
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.