Subway and Streetcar Operator Salary
Subway and Streetcar Operators earn a median $86,380 a year nationally. Transportation and Material Moving Occupations
What subway and streetcar operators do
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
- Typical education
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Work experience
- None required
- On-the-job training
- Moderate-term on-the-job training
- Job outlook, 2025–35
- +3.7% (about average)
- Openings per year
- 900
Employment of subway and streetcar operators is projected to grow 3.7% from 2025 to 2035, about the same as the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 900 openings are expected each year, on average, including jobs left by workers who retire or switch careers.
Source: BLS Standard Occupational Classification and Employment Projections, 2025–35.
Subway and Streetcar Operator take-home pay calculator
Starts at the national median. Pick your state to see your real paycheck.
- Federal income tax$10,174
- Social Security (6.2%)$5,356
- Medicare (1.45%)$1,253
- Texas income tax$0
- Take-home pay$69,598
Marginal rate: 22% federal + 0.00% state
Pay by experience
| Percentile | Salary | Hourly | Take-home (no state tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,180 | $26.53 | $46,517 |
| 25th percentile | $61,980 | $29.80 | $51,981 |
| Median (50th) | $86,380 | $41.53 | $69,598 |
| 75th percentile | $90,140 | $43.34 | $72,243 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $90,140 | $43.34 | $72,243 |
Best cities for subway and streetcar operators (after tax & cost of living)
| # | Metro area | Median | Take-home | Real value* | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York, NY | $90,140 | $67,965 | $60,380 | 3,950 |
*Take-home pay in U.S.-average dollars (BEA Regional Price Parities).
Highest-paying cities
- New York, NY — $90,140
Subway and Streetcar Operator salary by state
| State | Median | 1-yr change | Take-home | Range | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryland | $92,420 | +11.9% | $69,821 | $64,830 – $92,420 | 480 |
| California | $78,680 | +2.5% | $60,071 | $57,680 – $90,810 | 900 |
| Washington | $77,020 | −11.2% | $63,014 | $65,290 – $93,010 | 320 |
| Florida | $72,860 | — | $60,087 | $45,760 – $72,860 | 130 |
| New Jersey | $68,970 | +0.0% | $55,088 | $65,600 – $74,640 | 140 |
| Minnesota | $65,410 | −3.5% | $51,812 | $65,410 – $69,680 | 140 |
| North Carolina | $62,590 | — | $50,482 | $46,680 – $73,710 | 110 |
| Virginia | $61,970 | — | $49,224 | $47,200 – $72,290 | — |
| Georgia | $59,570 | +1.8% | $47,576 | $44,630 – $59,570 | 300 |
| Texas | $58,780 | +2.8% | $49,410 | $46,570 – $58,780 | 240 |
| Utah | $58,620 | +2.5% | $47,609 | $53,560 – $61,020 | 970 |
| Missouri | $53,030 | — | $43,235 | $37,990 – $63,030 | 70 |
| Michigan | $41,710 | — | $34,172 | $34,580 – $59,430 | 40 |
Related jobs
| Job | Median salary | Education | Growth 2025–35 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Locomotive Engineer | $81,410 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.5% |
| Railroad Conductor and Yardmaster | $78,000 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.9% |
| Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers | $68,840 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.8% |
| Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers | $60,600 | High school diploma or equivalent | +0.8% |
| Rail Transportation Workers, All Other | $56,360 | High school diploma or equivalent | +4.4% |
| Transportation Inspector | $92,100 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.2% |
| Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels | $92,460 | Postsecondary nondegree award | +4.0% |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operator | $77,320 | High school diploma or equivalent | +2.1% |
| Wellhead Pumper | $69,960 | High school diploma or equivalent | -2.0% |
| Crane and Tower Operator | $68,080 | High school diploma or equivalent | +3.8% |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a subway and streetcar operator make?
The national median salary for subway and streetcar operators is $86,380 a year ($41.53 an hour). The lowest-paid 10% earn under $55,180 and the top 10% earn over $90,140. Source: BLS, May 2025.
Which state pays subway and streetcar operators the most?
Maryland has the highest median pay at $92,420. After taxes and local prices, New York, NY offers the best real take-home pay of any metro area.
How many subway and streetcar operators are there in the U.S.?
About 10,200 people work as subway and streetcar operators nationwide.