USA Career Guide- Subway and Streetcar Operators

Training & License needed to be Subway and Streetcar Operators

Subway and streetcar operators typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent.

Training

Operators generally get 1 to 3 months of on-the-job training before they drive their own route. The transit agency provides this training. Following the training, operators must pass a test to ensure that they understand the applicable rules and regulations.

Pay of Subway and Streetcar Operators

The median annual wage of subway and streetcar operators was $56,880 in May 2010. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,180, and the top 10 percent earned more than $66,570. The median annual wage of subway and streetcar operators in local government, where most are employed, was $57,310 in May 2010.

Job Prospects of Subway and Streetcar Operators

Employment of subway and streetcar operators is projected to grow 10 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Growth is expected because several cities have proposed building new subway or streetcar systems or expanding existing systems.

Job opportunities for subway and streetcar operators should be good in cities where new rail systems are being built. There is likely to be more competition for jobs in cities with existing systems. Opportunities should be best for applicants with experience driving public transportation vehicles, such as buses.

Industrial Overview of Subway and Streetcar Operators

Subway and streetcar operators held 6,500 jobs in 2010. About 95 percent of subway and streetcar operators work for local governments that run transit systems within their jurisdiction. Usually, these governments also run bus systems.