How to become subway and streetcar operatorseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

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

How to become subway and streetcar operators

Typical education

High school diploma or equivalent

BLS

Related experience

None

On-the-job training

Moderate-term on-the-job training

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

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

Some college

Training before entry

1–3 months

43%

3–6 months

27%

Up to 1 month

18%

None / short demo

1–2 years

6–12 months

Related work experience

None

51%

1–2 years

23%

6–12 months

13%

2–4 years

4–6 years

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

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

Career path and how to earn more as subway and streetcar operators

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Related occupations

	Occupation	Pay	Outlook	AI risk
1	Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Drive a tractor-trailer combination or a truck with a capacity of at least 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).	$58,640	53/100	42%
2	Light Truck Drivers Drive a light vehicle, such as a truck or van, with a capacity of less than 26,001 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), primarily to pick up merchandise or packages from a distribution center and deliver.	$44,860	56/100	35%
3	Driver/Sales Workers Drive truck or other vehicle over established routes or within an established territory and sell or deliver goods, such as food products, including restaurant take-out items, or pick up or deliver items such as commercial laundry.	$38,770	58/100	32%
4	Bus Drivers, School Drive a school bus to transport students.	$47,920	43/100	45%
5	Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs Drive a motor vehicle to transport passengers on a planned or scheduled basis.	$37,290	63/100	37%
6	Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity Drive bus or motor coach, including regular route operations, charters, and private carriage.	$59,050	57/100	38%

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.