How To Become A Train Operator: What It Is and Career Path

What is a train operator and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

As a Train Operator, you will need analytical, communication, and creativity skills. Train Operators must go through intensive training programs that can last up to two years or more. Many Train Operators find positions in manufacturing and the logistics industry. You will also need to train new employees, know and be aware of FDA regulations, and stay on top of legal terms. You will be expected to present PowerPoint presentations to new hires to help them understand their jobs and conduct training in obedience, patrol, detection, and other necessary operations.

You will need to attend training programs, communicate with departments within the facility, know basic computer skills, and be dependable. A Train Operator with the necessary training and education of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, a general studies degree, or a psychology degree can make a median salary of $41,000 per year or higher depending on where they work and what industry they are employed.

ScoreTrain OperatorUS Average

Salary

3.1

Avg. Salary $39,189

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.5

Growth rate 8%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

5.7

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 5.86%

Black or African American 10.97%

Hispanic or Latino 16.98%

Unknown 6.30%

White 59.38%

Gender

female 33.67%

male 66.33%

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

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

8.0

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.0

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a train operator

Explore train operator education requirements

Most common train operator degrees

Bachelor's

45.3 %

Associate

22.0 %

High School Diploma

18.9 %

Start to develop specific train operator skills

Skills	Percentages
Training Programs	11.88%
Safety Procedures	9.29%
Training Sessions	8.16%
PowerPoint	6.77%
Ladders	5.74%

Complete relevant train operator training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New 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 train operator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real train operator resumes.

Research train operator duties and responsibilities

Develop training content for eLearning and instructor lead classrooms by evaluating Predix user experiences.
Manage the master calendar and schedule resources such as communication equipment, weapons, transportation and ammunition forecast and delivery.
Develop and write operator training manuals and ISO procedures for injection molding lines, metalizers, coaters and inspection equipment.
Climb ladders on railway cars.

Prepare your train operator resume

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

Build a professional 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 train operator resume.