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The differences between train operators and training specialists 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 training specialist. Additionally, a training specialist has an average salary of $77,231, 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 training specialist are customer service, training programs, and training materials.
| Train Operator | Training Specialist | |
| Yearly salary | $39,189 | $77,231 |
| Hourly rate | $18.84 | $37.13 |
| Growth rate | 8% | 8% |
| Number of jobs | 58,754 | 61,581 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
As the name entails, training specialists are the ones who design and perform training programs that will foster employees' workplace performance and align with the core values of an organization. They have varied responsibilities, including identifying employee training needs, preparing teaching plans and developing an annual training program, and turning requirements into training to aid employees in their career development. They are also responsible for implementing training courses, staying up-to-date on the new tools and trends in employee development, and evaluating existing programs periodically.
Train operators and training specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Train Operator | Training Specialist | |
| Average salary | $39,189 | $77,231 |
| Salary range | Between $27,000 And $55,000 | Between $53,000 And $110,000 |
| Highest paying City | Alameda, CA | Dallas, TX |
| Highest paying state | Virginia | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | American Water | CoreLogic |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Technology |
There are a few differences between a train operator and a training specialist in terms of educational background:
| Train Operator | Training Specialist | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 45% | Bachelor's Degree, 62% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | University of Pennsylvania |
Here are the differences between train operators' and training specialists' demographics:
| Train Operator | Training Specialist | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 66.3% Female, 33.7% | Male, 45.5% Female, 54.5% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 11.2% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 6.6% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |