Rail operator vs subway train operator

The differences between rail operators and subway train operators can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a subway train operator has an average salary of $51,331, which is higher than the $37,389 average annual salary of a rail operator.

Rail operator vs subway train operator overview

	Rail Operator	Subway Train Operator
Yearly salary	$37,389	$51,331
Hourly rate	$17.98	$24.68
Growth rate	4%	-2%
Number of jobs	30,057	26,860
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 40%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	-	-

Rail operator vs subway train operator salary

Rail operators and subway train operators have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Rail Operator	Subway Train Operator
Average salary	$37,389	$51,331
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $54,000	Between $26,000 And $97,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between rail operator and subway train operator education

There are a few differences between a rail operator and a subway train operator in terms of educational background:

	Rail Operator	Subway Train Operator
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 31%	High School Diploma, 40%
Most common major	Business	Health Care Administration
Most common college	-	-

Rail operator vs subway train operator demographics

Here are the differences between rail operators' and subway train operators' demographics:

	Rail Operator	Subway Train Operator
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 81.3% Female, 18.8%	Male, 75.0% Female, 25.0%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 16.6% Unknown, 4.1% Hispanic or Latino, 18.1% Asian, 6.3% White, 53.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.4%	Black or African American, 17.5% Unknown, 4.0% Hispanic or Latino, 15.7% Asian, 4.9% White, 56.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage	21%	21%

Differences between rail operator and subway train operator duties and responsibilities

Rail operator example responsibilities.

Operate radio system in accordance with set radio protocols and FCC regulations.
Regulate trolley speed and inspect trolleys before leaving the yard.
Operate heavy machinery such as bobcat equipment and also operate and pave asphalt perform demolition work.
Maintain proper communication with management and frac crews on/off-site.

Subway train operator example responsibilities.

Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trolley vehicles prior and after operation of the vehicles.
Service and maintain the LACT units.

Rail operator vs subway train operator skills

Common rail operator skills

CDL, 27%
Rail Cars, 22%
DOT, 20%
Safety Rules, 13%
Product Quality, 9%
Switches, 3%

Common subway train operator skills

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Transportation Industry
Rail Operator
Rail Operator vs Subway Train Operator

Updated January 8, 2025

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