Shigoto Zukan
日本語

Will AI replace subway and streetcar operators?AI replacement risk 39% and how the work is changing

United States Transportation Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$86,380
25th–75th pct. $61,980–$90,140
Top pay (est.)
$117,200
Top 10% $90,140
Pay in 5 years
$100,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$116,900est.
$100,500–$135,700
Outlook score
55/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
39%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+3.7%
900 openings / yr

Will AI replace Subway and Streetcar Operators? AI replacement risk

39%
Low
Ranked #363 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Subway and Streetcar Operators

Key skills

Operation and Control
3.9
Operations Monitoring
3.8
Critical Thinking
3.2
Monitoring
3.1
Reading Comprehension
3.1
Active Listening
3.0
Time Management
3.0
Active Learning
3.0

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Transportation
4.6
Customer and Personal Service
4.0
Public Safety and Security
3.6
English Language
2.8
Education and Training
2.6
Law and Government
2.3
Psychology
2.2
Administration and Management
2.1

What the work involves

Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsControlling Machines and ProcessesGetting Information

Important abilities

Reaction TimeControl PrecisionMultilimb CoordinationFar VisionAuditory AttentionResponse Orientation

Education of workers

High school diploma
87%
Post-secondary certificate
9%
Some college
5%

Training before entry

1–3 months
43%
3–6 months
27%
Up to 1 month
18%
None / short demo
5%
1–2 years
4%
6–12 months
2%

Related work experience

None
51%
1–2 years
23%
6–12 months
13%
2–4 years
8%
4–6 years
5%

Job Zone 2 — some preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★☆☆☆☆ Easy to enter (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.