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Job outlook for train operators in the United States
Are train operator jobs in demand?
Yes, train operator jobs are in demand. Train operator demand is projected to grow 8% from 2018 to 2028.
Train operator job and salary trends over time
Compare the number of train operator jobs and the average train operator salary over time.
Train operator jobs over time
Train operator job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 2,203 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 2,085 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 2,048 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,910 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,838 | 0.00% |
Average train operator salary over time
Train operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $39,189 | $18.84 | +2.4% |
| 2025 | $38,258 | $18.39 | +0.6% |
| 2024 | $38,045 | $18.29 | +0.8% |
| 2023 | $37,726 | $18.14 | +2.3% |
| 2022 | $36,889 | $17.74 | +1.4% |
Train operator jobs by state
The map below shows you the number of train operator job openings in each state. The darker areas on the map show where train operators earn the highest salaries across all 50 states.
Average salary: Job openings:
Most common states for train operators
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 229 | 33% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,583 | 23% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 211 | 20% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 131 | 18% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,272 | 14% |
| 6 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 144 | 10% |
| 7 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 277 | 9% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 271 | 9% |
| 9 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 265 | 9% |
| 10 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 11 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 68 | 9% |
| 12 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 687 | 8% |
| 13 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 467 | 8% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 443 | 8% |
| 15 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 313 | 8% |
| 16 | Mississippi | 2,984,100 | 225 | 8% |
| 17 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 152 | 8% |
| 18 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 113 | 8% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 79 | 8% |
| 20 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 213 | 7% |
Most common cities for train operators
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenwood | 2 | 4% | $34,177 |
| 2 | Laurel | 1 | 4% | $44,784 |
| 3 | Council Bluffs | 2 | 3% | $41,803 |
| 4 | Carol Stream | 1 | 2% | $44,265 |
| 5 | Albany | 1 | 1% | $50,899 |
| 6 | Cambridge | 1 | 1% | $43,271 |
| 7 | San Antonio | 3 | 0% | $38,795 |
| 8 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $44,968 |
| 9 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $44,358 |
| 10 | Colorado Springs | 2 | 0% | $43,591 |
| 11 | Denver | 1 | 0% | $43,801 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $50,409 |
| 13 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $34,257 |
Train Operator job outlook: Expert opinions
We spoke to train operator professors and experts from several universities and companies to get their opinions on where the train operator job market for recent graduates is heading and how young graduates entering the train operator industry can be adequately prepared. Here are their thoughts.
Our panel of train operator experts
J
Jaunelle Celaire
University of Alaska Fairbanks
J
What will help Train Operators increase their earning potential?
Jaunelle Celaire: Learn from everything. Remember every moment is a learning opportunity from everyone around you, no matter their title. Pay attention when things go well and clue in and pay extra attention when they do not; watch how people react to it. Build relationships and network with the people who face problems by being their solution.
Train operator jobs
Updated March 6, 2024