Subway and Streetcar Operators

Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.

Median Annual Wage: $62,130

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (60%); Some college, no degree (24%); Post-secondary certificate (7%)

Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)

Related Job Titles: Bus Operator; Train Operator; Light Rail Operator; Rail Operator; Combined Rail Operator; Streetcar Operator; Transit Operator; Trolley Operator; Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator); Rapid Transit Operator (RTO)

Browse Job Listings

Browse Schools

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Subway and Streetcar Operators.

More Transportation and Material Moving Careers

  • Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.
  • Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
  • Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
  • Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
  • Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
  • Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
  • 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.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Subway and Streetcar Operators.

  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Subway and Streetcar Operators.

Search Local Job Listings