Career Overview
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Also Known As
- Light Rail Operator
- Rail Operator
- Rapid Transit Operator (RTO)
- Train Operator
Alternate Job Titles
- 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 Coach Operator
- Motor Operator
- Operator Trainer
- Rail Operator
- Rail Transit Operator
- Rapid Transit Operator (RTO)
- Ride Operator
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- 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.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Transportation
- Public Safety and Security
- Customer and Personal Service
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Operations Monitoring
- Operation and Control
- Active Listening
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Control Precision
- Reaction Time
- Multilimb Coordination
- Near Vision
- Auditory Attention
- Far Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Rate Control
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Response Orientation
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Cautiousness
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Self-Control
- Stress Tolerance
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Independence
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
On-the-Job Training: Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
Education Details: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience Required: Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Microsoft Office software
Tools & Equipment
- Customer-to-operator two-way communication systems
- Deadman pedals
- Diesel powered train engines
- Door opening controls
- Electric train engines
- In-train public address systems
- Multipurpose fire extinguishers
- Portable two way radios
- Railcar defrosting systems
- Streetcars
- Track switches
- Trolley bell foot pedals
- Trolleys
- Wheelchair exit or entrance ramps
- Whistle pulls
Work Environment
- In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Contact With Others
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $52,260 |
| Median | $84,830 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $87,940 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 9,200
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Locomotive Engineers
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $77,400
Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $74,080
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity
Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Median Salary: $57,440
Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $65,480
Taxi Drivers
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $36,220
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.