All About Subway and Streetcar Operators
Subway or Streetcar Operator Job Description Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Subway or Streetcar Operator Responsibilities
- Collect fares from passengers, and issue change and transfers.
- Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
- Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
- Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
- 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.
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What Every Subway or Streetcar Operator Should Know
When polled, Subway and Streetcar Operators say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Operation and Control: Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Related Job Titles
- Commuter Train Operator
- Elevated Motorman
- Monorail Operator
- Combined Rail Operator
- Subway Conductor
Is There Job Demand for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
In the United States, there were 12,800 jobs for Subway or Streetcar Operator in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 4.7% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 600 new jobs for Subway or Streetcar Operator by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,300 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Subway or Streetcar Operator are Texas, Colorado, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Maryland, or Nebraska. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Subway or Streetcar Operator Make?
The average yearly salary of a Subway or Streetcar Operator ranges between $37,310 and $82,100.

Subway and Streetcar Operators who work in Maryland, New Jersey, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Subway and Streetcar Operators make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
California | $57,550 |
Georgia | $37,500 |
Maryland | $63,120 |
New Jersey | $60,510 |
Tennessee | $49,220 |
Texas | $46,810 |
What Tools & Technology do Subway and Streetcar Operators Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Subway and Streetcar Operators may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Office
- Word processing software
Becoming a Subway or Streetcar Operator
Learn what Subway or Streetcar Operator education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Subway or Streetcar Operator?

Where Subway and Streetcar Operators Are Employed

Below are examples of industries where Subway and Streetcar Operators work:

Similar Careers
Are you already one of the many Subway or Streetcar Operator in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Hic85 via Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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