Subway and Streetcar Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Subway and Streetcar Operators Make?
Subway and Streetcar Operators earn a median annual salary of $84,830 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $52,260 at the 10th percentile to $87,940 at the 90th percentile — a range of $35,680. The highest-paying state is Washington at $86,750.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $52,260 |
| 25th percentile | $59,500 |
| Median (50th) | $84,830 |
| 75th percentile | $87,940 |
| 90th percentile | $87,940 |
Subway and Streetcar Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Washingtontop | $86,750 |
| Massachusetts | $84,820 |
| Maryland | $82,590 |
| California | $76,770 |
| New Jersey | $68,960 |
| Minnesota | $67,810 |
| Georgia | $58,500 |
| Texas | $57,200 |
| Utah | $57,200 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Subway and Streetcar Operators
Subway and Streetcar Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$52,260 – $59,500 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$84,830 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$87,940 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $87,940+ |
How to Earn More as a Subway and Streetcar Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Subway and Streetcar Operators in New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ earn $87,940 — $3,110 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($87,940) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Subway and Streetcar Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Subway and Streetcar Operatorthis career | $84,830 |
| Transit and Railroad Police | $82,320 |
| Crossing Guards and Flagger | $37,700 |
| Dispatcher | $48,880 |
| Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialist | $60,640 |
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SOC: 53-4041.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.