53
Subway and Streetcar Operators is a notable career in the 53 category. This page provides verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0 (2024), helping you compare Subway and Streetcar Operators against similar careers and make data-driven decisions.
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| soc | 53-4041 |
| title | Subway and Streetcar Operators |
| onet code | 53-4041.00 |
| description | Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares. |
| job zone | 2 |
| major group | 53 |
| tot emp | 9,200 |
| a mean | 75,620 |
| a median | 84,830 |
| a pct10 | 52,260 |
| a pct25 | 59,500 |
| a pct75 | 87,940 |
| a pct90 | 87,940 |
| h mean | 36 |
| h median | 40 |
The day-to-day work of a subway and streetcar operators typically centers on monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards. Every task listed below is classified as Core in O*NET — they collectively define the role. Task descriptions below are quoted from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET 29.0 occupation profile.
Workers in this occupation rely most on Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring, and Active Listening. Across the top 10 skills, the average O*NET importance score is 3.34 out of 5 — moderately weighted for this role. Importance reflects how essential each skill is for adequate job performance.
Among working subway and streetcar operators, the most common entry qualification is a High School Diploma (86.5%). Bachelor's-degree-or-higher credentials are reported by 0% of incumbents. Most workers enter without a four-year degree, making this a relatively accessible career path.
Median annual pay is highest in Washington at $86,750 and lowest in Utah at $57,200 — a 1.5× spread. The top five states (Washington, Massachusetts, Maryland, California, New Jersey) average $79,978. Figures reflect BLS OEWS May 2024 state-level wage estimates; percentiles shown are for full-time wage-earners in each state.
| State | Median | Mean | 10th % | 90th % | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $86,750 | $80,730 | $63,250 | $86,750 | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $84,820 | $72,330 | $46,650 | $87,380 | 820 |
| Maryland | $82,590 | $78,940 | $58,140 | $90,760 | 520 |
| California | $76,770 | $72,640 | $59,890 | $89,180 | 760 |
| New Jersey | $68,960 | $72,890 | $54,250 | $112,970 | 160 |
| Minnesota | $67,810 | $66,500 | $63,650 | $67,810 | 130 |
| Georgia | $58,500 | $54,840 | $43,840 | $58,500 | 260 |
| Texas | $57,200 | $53,990 | $45,320 | $57,200 | 230 |
| Utah | $57,200 | $56,780 | $52,260 | $59,380 | 900 |
Recruiters and job boards use several alternate titles for subway and streetcar operators. Knowing these variants widens your job search — listings for Combined Rail Operator or Electric Motorman frequently describe the same role. The list below is a sample of the most common industry variants.
This data helps you understand how Subway and Streetcar Operators compares to others in the 53 category. Use it to make informed decisions based on verified data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0.
careers with the closest data values to Subway and Streetcar Operators
The CertifyWize editorial team aggregates and verifies careers data from BLS OEWS 2024 + O*NET 29.0. Every statistic on this site is cross-referenced against the official source before publication, with quarterly re-verification cycles.
Read our full methodology or contact us with corrections.