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Subway and Streetcar Operators in New Jersey
Thinking about a career as a Subway and Streetcar Operators in New Jersey? Here’s what you need to know. Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
What do Subway and Streetcar Operators Make in New Jersey?
For subway and streetcar operators working in New Jersey, wages run about $68,960 per year (or about $33.16/hour).Pay can range from $54,250 at the 10th percentile to $112,970 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $54,250 | $26.08 |
| 25th percentile | $68,270 | $32.82 |
| Median (50th) | $68,960 | $33.16 |
| 75th percentile | $73,550 | $35.36 |
| 90th percentile | $112,970 | $54.31 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in New Jersey relative to the national average — is 0.62, indicating fewer subway and streetcar operators per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, subway and streetcar operators earn a median of $42,817 per year ($20.59/hour), exceeding the New Jersey median.
Employment Outlook
Nationally, total employment in this occupation is 1,370,061 subway and streetcar operators nationwide. In New Jersey alone, about 160 people work in this role. That’s fewer than the typical state, which employs around 260 subway and streetcar operators.
Top States for Subway and Streetcar Operators Employment
View the states that employ the most subway and streetcar operators work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Utah | 900 |
| Massachusetts | 820 |
| California | 760 |
| Maryland | 520 |
| Georgia | 260 |
| Texas | 230 |
| Washington | 170 |
| New Jersey | 160 |
| Minnesota | 130 |
Highest-Paying States for Subway and Streetcar Operators
These states pay the most for subway and streetcar operators.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Washington | $86,750 |
| Massachusetts | $84,820 |
| Maryland | $82,590 |
| California | $76,770 |
| New Jersey | $68,960 |
| Minnesota | $67,810 |
| Georgia | $58,500 |
| Utah | $57,200 |
| Texas | $57,200 |
Skills
The most important subway and streetcar operators skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Key knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for subway and streetcar operators, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Common tasks include:
- Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.
- Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.
- Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.
- Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.
- Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.
- Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.
- Direct emergency evacuation procedures.
- Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.
- Greet passengers, provide information, and answer questions concerning fares, schedules, transfers, and routings.
- Attend meetings on driver and passenger safety to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.
Work Activities
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Getting Information
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Controlling Machines and Processes
- Performing General Physical Activities
Tools & Technology
Technologies frequently used: Hot technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Several college majors map to this occupation:
Related Careers
Other careers like subway and streetcar operators include:
- Transit and Railroad Police
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Commercial Pilots
- Air Traffic Controllers
Also Known As
Combined Rail Operator, Electric Motorman, Elevated Motorman, Light Rail Operator, Light Rail Train Operator, Light Rail Transit Operator, Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator), Monorail Operator, Motor Coach Operator, Motor Operator, Operator Trainer, Rail Operator, Rail Transit Operator, Rapid Transit Operator (RTO), Ride Operator.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 53-4041.00