Post job

Train operator vs trainer lead

The differences between train operators and trainer leads can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a train operator and a trainer lead. Additionally, a trainer lead has an average salary of $72,175, which is higher than the $39,189 average annual salary of a train operator.

The top three skills for a train operator include training programs, safety procedures and training sessions. The most important skills for a trainer lead are customer service, product knowledge, and training materials.

Train operator vs trainer lead overview

Train OperatorTrainer Lead
Yearly salary$39,189$72,175
Hourly rate$18.84$34.70
Growth rate8%8%
Number of jobs58,75443,216
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Average age4444
Years of experience44

What does a train operator do?

The Train Operator ensures the train gets to and from destinations in a timely and safe manner. This person is responsible for the train's operation, maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. The passengers' safety and convenience fall on the train operator's shoulders, and it is the operator's obligation that trains always depart and arrive on time. Add responsibilities of a train operator is to ensure the security of all passengers and to report all irregularities observed during one's duty.

What does a trainer lead do?

As a training lead, you are responsible for overseeing a company's employee training and development activities. You are also expected to perform various tasks that may include identifying training needs for the organization, supervising trainers' work, and developing effective employee training programs. Other duties and responsibilities may be conducting a readiness assessment, maintaining training information, and coordinating and reviewing the logistics of training materials. Also, you are expected to organize safety training and develop conflict resolution modules and diversity appreciation.

Train operator vs trainer lead salary

Train operators and trainer leads have different pay scales, as shown below.

Train OperatorTrainer Lead
Average salary$39,189$72,175
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $55,000Between $46,000 And $112,000
Highest paying CityAlameda, CASan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateVirginiaNew Jersey
Best paying companyAmerican WaterMeta
Best paying industryTransportation-

Differences between train operator and trainer lead education

There are a few differences between a train operator and a trainer lead in terms of educational background:

Train OperatorTrainer Lead
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 45%Bachelor's Degree, 55%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Train operator vs trainer lead demographics

Here are the differences between train operators' and trainer leads' demographics:

Train OperatorTrainer Lead
Average age4444
Gender ratioMale, 66.3% Female, 33.7%Male, 53.1% Female, 46.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 59.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino, 17.0% Asian, 5.9% White, 60.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%
LGBT Percentage12%12%

Differences between train operator and trainer lead duties and responsibilities

Train operator example 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.
  • Act as SME for safety.
  • Maintain trainingrecords and LMS system.
  • Show more

Trainer lead example responsibilities.

  • Lead and write UNIX system software courses.
  • Manage and coordinate all ERP relate training activities and communications.
  • Manage content of Internet, Intranet and SharePoint sites associate with training.
  • Manage QA, QC, service test, automation, off-shore, and metrics programs.
  • Coordinate, contract and manage the training budget for the site including ISO auditing schedules and compliance.
  • Coordinate competitive sensitive information design and review of eLearning and instructor lead materials.
  • Show more

Train operator vs trainer lead skills

Common train operator skills
  • Training Programs, 12%
  • Safety Procedures, 9%
  • Training Sessions, 8%
  • PowerPoint, 7%
  • Ladders, 6%
  • DOD, 4%
Common trainer lead skills
  • Customer Service, 30%
  • Product Knowledge, 16%
  • Training Materials, 5%
  • CPR, 3%
  • Training Programs, 3%
  • Subject Matter Experts, 3%

Browse business and financial jobs