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What is a subway train operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
2 min read
There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a subway train operator. For example, did you know that they make an average of $24.68 an hour? That's $51,331 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow -2% and produce -1,500 job opportunities across the U.S.
ScoreSubway Train OperatorUS Average
Salary
-

Avg. Salary $51,331

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
-

Growth rate -2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
-
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.35%

Asian 4.93%

Black or African American 17.49%

Hispanic or Latino 15.70%

Unknown 4.04%

White 56.50%

Gender

female 25.00%

male 75.00%

Age - 48
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 48

Key steps to become a subway train operator

  1. Explore subway train operator education requirements

    Most common subway train operator degrees

    High School Diploma

    40.0 %

    Associate

    40.0 %

    Diploma

    20.0 %
  2. Complete relevant subway train operator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New subway train operators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a subway train operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real subway train operator resumes.
  3. Research subway train operator duties and responsibilities

    • Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections on trolley vehicles prior and after operation of the vehicles.
    • Service and maintain the LACT units.
  4. Prepare your subway train operator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your subway train operator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a subway train operator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable subway train operator resume templates

    Build a professional subway train operator resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your subway train operator resume.
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
    Subway Train Operator Resume
  5. Apply for subway train operator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a subway train operator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first subway train operator job

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Average subway train operator salary

The average subway train operator salary in the United States is $51,331 per year or $25 per hour. Subway train operator salaries range between $26,000 and $97,000 per year.

Average subway train operator salary
$51,331 Yearly
$24.68 hourly

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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