Subway Operator

Explore This Path

Ideal for those who love navigating urban landscapes and ensuring smooth commutes.
Play a vital role in keeping cities connected and passengers safe every day.
Experience the thrill of operating advanced rail systems in bustling environments.

💰 Earn $66K-$78K

📚 High School Diploma or GED

⏱️ 6–12 MONTH TRAINING

📈 4.2% JOB GROWTH

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What You’ll Do

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

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.

Scoop

Minimum Education

High School Diploma or GED

Career Prospects

Good (Increasing by 1-5%)

Training Time

6 months to 1 year

Job Openings

1,500 Annually

Median Earnings

$73,600 in California

$84,270 Nationally

$25K

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$125K

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$250K

Real Talk Reel

Want to see what it's like to be a Subway Operator? We've curated a playlist for you to get a glimpse into a day in the life.

@cnbcmakeit

@ilaytracks

Best For You If...

YOU Like 💕

Using data or completing tasks
Working with my hands

You are skilled in 💫

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Monitoring
Operation and Control
Operations Monitoring
Speaking

You value 🙏

Having support
Job security
Personal relationships

Deep Dive

Subway Operator

Explore career pathways, key skills, and what each role has to offer.

Pathways to this Career

Learn about the education and training paths that can lead to this career — and what to expect from each one.

Associate's Degree

An associate's degree typically provides graduates with foundational knowledge and skills for entry-level jobs in the graduate's industry, or serves as a stepping stone towards further education.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 2-3 years

Vocational School

A vocational school typically equips students with specialized skills and practical training in specific trades or occupations, enhancing their employability and providing direct pathways to relevant careers.

🎓 Skills-Focused

⏱️ FINISH IN 6 months - 2 years

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree typically results in increased knowledge about a variety of academic subjects, specialized knowledge in a focused field of study, and is considered the foundational qualification for many careers.

🎓 College

⏱️ FINISH IN 4-5+ years