Back to all jobs
Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeStable

Subway and Streetcar Operator

Operational-level

Also known as: Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator

Automotive, Aviation, & MaritimeBachelor's Degree

Job Description

As a Subway or Streetcar Operator, you drive electric trains or streetcars to transport passengers, often handling fares. You'll work in an enclosed cab, operating complex controls and equipment with your hands. This job suits someone precise, accurate, and attentive, who can listen, speak, read instructions, and think critically to ensure safe and smooth journeys. You'll spend your days focused on monitoring systems and making repetitive motions, working closely with other transit staff and passengers.
Public TransitTransportation OperationsRailroad OperationsUrban TransportationLogisticsSafety ManagementCustomer ServiceEngineeringAutomotiveSkilled Trade

Skills employers are looking for in 2027

Software and technologies flagged by O*NET as Hot or In-Demand for this role.

Hot technologies
Microsoft Office software

Job Outlook 2025-2035

Projected growth

+3.7%

US average: +3.5%

Job openings

900

per year (US)

Jobs today

10,500

in 2025 → 10,900 (2035)

Typical entry education

High school diploma or equivalent

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections; O*NET Bright Outlook.

Work Environment

How this work is typically performed, based on O*NET work context data.

Email & digital communication
Low
Working in a team
High
Contact with others
High
Freedom to make decisions
Moderate
Time pressure
High
Time spent sitting
High
Working outdoors
High
Indoor, climate-controlled
Moderate
Dealing with customers
High
Level of competition
Moderate

Source: O*NET Work Context (v31.0)

Future Perspective

Stable Job Market

The outlook for Subway and Streetcar Operators is stable, with about 900 job openings expected each year through 2035. The median annual wage is $86,380. With experience, you can move into roles like a Public Transit Supervisor or Transportation Operations Manager, using your expertise to help lead teams or manage routes.

Career ladder

Often before this role

  • Bus Driver
  • Taxi Driver
  • Delivery Driver

Where it can lead

  • Traffic Regulator
  • Public Transit Supervisor
  • Transportation Operations Manager

Impact of AI on this Job

AI will likely lead to increased automation in subway and streetcar operations, potentially reducing the need for human operators in the long term with the rise of autonomous vehicles. However, operators may transition to supervisory roles, focusing on monitoring AI systems, managing complex situations, and ensuring passenger safety and service quality.

Similar Jobs

Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant

Operational-level

Transportation Worker

Operational-level

Bus Driver, Transit and Intercity

Operational-level

Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

Operational-level

Salary

$86,380

Median annual wage, BLS 2025

Required Education

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum educational requirement for this position

Relevant Studies

Based on job level & field

Mobil Crane Operator/Operation

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Industrial Mechanics and Maintenance Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Applied Engineering Technologies/Technicians

Bachelor • Social Sciences • 4 years

Executive Assistant

Vocational • Business & Economics • 1 year

Application Development

Vocational • Tech & Engineering • 2 years

Current Vacancies

IndeedLinkedIn