Subway and Streetcar Operators

SOC code 53-4041 · O*NET-SOC 53-4041.00 · Little to some preparation needed · Transportation

Subway and Streetcar Operators pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$86,380

a year

Hourly

$41.53

per hour

10th$55,180Median$86,38090th$90,140

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$77,170

$37.10 per hour

Middle 50%

$61,980 – $90,140

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$55,180 – $90,140

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

10,200

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

10th percentile: $55,180; $26.53/hr
25th percentile: $61,980; $29.80/hr
Median percentile: $86,380; $41.53/hr
75th percentile: $90,140; $43.34/hr
90th percentile: $90,140; $43.34/hr

What do subway and streetcar operators do?

Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.

The tasks that matter most day to day

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.
Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.

How to qualify for this work

Most people in this role hold high school diploma or the equivalent (such as a ged) — 87% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 2 — Little to some preparation needed

Education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Experience: 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.
Training: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

See all zone 2 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)87%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%
Some College Courses5%

Common questions

How much does a subway and streetcar operators earn?

The national median is $86,380 a year. The full range runs from $55,180 at the 10th percentile to $90,140 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a subway and streetcar operators without a degree?

Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 2, meaning the typical entry route is usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Active Listening3.6/5
Speaking3.4/5
Monitoring3.3/5
Reading Comprehension3.1/5
Critical Thinking3.0/5
Active Learning3.0/5

Knowledge areas

Transportation4.4/5
Public Safety and Security3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
English Language3.2/5
Education and Training2.8/5
Telecommunications2.6/5
Mechanical2.6/5
Administration and Management2.5/5

Transferable strengths: Operations Monitoring, Operation and Control, Service Orientation, Judgment and Decision Making.