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What is a train operations manager and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Eric Olsen
introduction image

Training is a highly essential part of the logistical function within an organization. Your role, as a train operations manager, will be to oversee the day-to-day responsibilities of the department. Some of the duties and responsibilities you will perform in this capacity include monitoring and evaluating training programs, processes, and workflows.

Moreover, you will also manage instructor schedules, design and prepare educational aids and materials for the personnel, assess the instructional effectiveness, draft reports based on those results, and conduct regular evaluations to identify areas for improvement. Essential skills required to successfully complete these tasks include effective communication, motivation, interpersonal, and analytical skills.

To qualify for this position, you will need either an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree in a related field. Moreover, prior work experience of three or more years in a relevant proven role is also required. Once qualified, you will be compensated generously for your services. The average hourly pay for this position is $31.83, which amounts to $66,200 annually.

What general advice would you give to a train operations manager?

Eric OlsenEric Olsen LinkedIn profile

Professor, Industrial Technology and Packaging, Orfalea College of Business

Times of change are also times of great opportunities. We are going to need new technical solutions to address problems we are just learning about. You have to lean into the issues. Don't be a technologist - be a problem solver. That is why we also emphasize soft skills like lean six sigma, teamwork, and change management.
ScoreTrain Operations ManagerUS Average
Salary
5.8

Avg. Salary $74,277

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
9.6

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.5
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.47%

Asian 6.41%

Black or African American 6.23%

Hispanic or Latino 15.35%

Unknown 4.34%

White 67.19%

Gender

female 30.16%

male 69.84%

Age - 44
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 - 44
Stress level
9.6

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level
9.2

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance
3.6

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Train operations manager career paths

Key steps to become a train operations manager

  1. Explore train operations manager education requirements

    Most common train operations manager degrees

    Bachelor's

    63.3 %

    Associate

    16.5 %

    Master's

    12.2 %
  2. Start to develop specific train operations manager skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Customer Service11.52%
    OSHA7.56%
    PowerPoint6.69%
    Training Materials6.00%
    Continuous Improvement5.15%
  3. Complete relevant train operations manager training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New train operations managers 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 train operations manager based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real train operations manager resumes.
  4. Research train operations manager duties and responsibilities

    • Manage workforce evaluation system and coordinate with logistics agencies to ensure immediate support for operations.
    • Manage team of database administrators, database technicians and systems administrators responsible for maintaining all production, development and QA systems.
    • Conduct all site safety training relating to OSHA, NFPA, EPA and system safety policies, procedures and programs.
    • Serve as dock manager & station training manager as well as the station OSHA safety advocate and station compliance officer.
  5. Prepare your train operations manager resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your train operations manager 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 train operations manager resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable train operations manager resume templates

    Build a professional train operations manager 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 train operations manager resume.
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    Train Operations Manager Resume
    Train Operations Manager Resume
    Train Operations Manager Resume
  6. Apply for train operations manager jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a train operations manager 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 train operations manager job

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Average train operations manager salary

The average train operations manager salary in the United States is $74,277 per year or $36 per hour. Train operations manager salaries range between $51,000 and $108,000 per year.

Average train operations manager salary
$74,277 Yearly
$35.71 hourly

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How do train operations managers rate their job?

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Train operations manager reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Sep 2019
Pros

I love being able to mold my team and the distribution center to the culture of respect and accountability! Having senior and executive leadership support is a huge positive factor in making this happen!!

Cons

Long hours and calls outside of regular business hours are the norm!


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jun 2019
Pros

People Busy Money Busy and variety in a job Solving problems


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A zippia user wrote a review on Mar 2019
Pros

I love it and I wish I was back at my old job but I guess it is what it is

Cons

Not being loyal


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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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