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Light Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MSCCN

Light Rail Vehicle Technician

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$37.14 - $46.43/hr

Light Rail Maintenance CLOSING DATE: 7/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Description AN ELIGIBILITY LIST WILL BE CREATED FROM THIS RECRUITMENT TO BE USED IN FILLING FUTURE VACANCIES Effectively uses a variety ...

METRO

Light Rail Train Operator Trainee

Houston, TX

Basic Function The Light Rail Train Operator Trainee is required to complete the training class to be become a full-time LRT Operator. Upon successful completion of training, the LRT Operator Trainee ...

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How much do light rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail in the United States is $25.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.04 and $27.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Light Rail Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and fare collection technology is important, and some positions may require completion of specialized transit operator training or certification. Excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators stand out. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure passenger safety, maintain efficient operations, and provide reliable public transit service.

What are light rail operators?

Light rail operators are trained professionals who drive and manage the operation of light rail transit vehicles, which run on tracks typically in urban areas. Their responsibilities include safely transporting passengers, adhering to schedules, operating controls, monitoring track signals, and assisting passengers as needed. They also perform pre-trip inspections and handle emergency situations if they arise. Light rail operators play a crucial role in providing efficient and reliable public transportation in many cities.

What is the difference between Light Rail vs Bus Operator?

AspectLight RailBus Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, sometimes specialized certificationsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, commercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate on fixed rail tracks, often in urban areas, with scheduled routesOperate on roads and streets, flexible routes, often in various traffic conditions
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, urban transportation systemsPublic transit, private transportation companies, school districts

Both Light Rail and Bus Operators work in public transportation, requiring similar licensing and safety certifications. Light Rail operators typically work on fixed tracks within urban transit systems, offering a more predictable environment. Bus Operators drive on roads with variable traffic, providing flexible routes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path in public transit.

What are some common challenges faced by Light Rail Operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Light Rail Operators often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict schedules, maintaining passenger safety during peak hours, and managing unexpected delays or technical issues. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with the transit system’s safety protocols, practicing effective communication with both passengers and dispatchers, and staying calm under pressure. Additionally, being attentive to signals and learning to troubleshoot minor issues quickly can help operators handle daily responsibilities more confidently and efficiently.
More about Light Rail jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail jobs are:
Light Rail jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,325 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Light Rail Vehicle Operator

ACI-Herzog - 244

Jersey City, NJ

$38.63/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Alternate Concepts, Inc. (ACI) and Herzog Transit Services, Inc. (HTSI), collectively the ACI/Herzog Joint Venture, along with our key subcontractors are seeking applicants for the Hudson Bergen Light Rail operation located in Hudson County, New Jersey. ACI was founded in 1989 with their corporate office located in Boston, MA and Herzog founded in 1969 with corporate offices located in St. Joseph, MO and Fort Worth, TX. Combined our companies provide FRA/FTA compliant transportation, equipment maintenance, dispatching, right-of-way maintenance, facility maintenance and dispatching services for 20 distinct client properties. In addition to the Joint Venture being the upcoming operator/maintainer of the Hudson Bergen Light Rail, we currently jointly operate the Tren Urbano heavy rail service in San Juan, Puerto Rico and the CTDOT’s Hartford intercity service in Connecticut.

ACI/Herzog Joint Venture, along with our key subcontractors are currently seeking Light Rail Vehicle Operators to join our team.

The pay rate for this position is $16.15/hour (6-month probationary period) with a full rate of $38.63/hour upon completion of 6-month probationary period.

The Light Rail Vehicle Operator operates Hudson Bergen Light Rail (HBLR) light rail vehicles (LRV) in a safe, dependable, efficient, and on-time manner to provide transportation services for patrons.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Safely operates light rail vehicles in revenue and non-revenue service in accordance with established operating rules/procedures, and published schedules; makes all required station stops/customer service announcements and provides assistance to customers as required.
  • Communicates via a two-way radio system in accordance with HBLR rules, practices and policies.
  • Understand rail transit system components (track, switches, signals, etc.)
  • Performs light rail vehicle troubleshooting activities under the direction and guidance of the Operations Control Center or Field/Line Supervision.
  • Coordinate closely with Supervisors and other staff to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of all passengers
  • Performs required pre-trip inspections of light rail vehicles prior to pulling train out of yard including conducting internal/external visual inspection of train, pre-testing all required control equipment, ensuring all required safety devices are intact/functional.
  • Serves as On-Scene Coordinator as assigned for safety events.
  • In the event of an emergency assist in the evacuation of passengers from an LRV onto the station, platform or right of way
  • Provides Roadway Worker Protection such as flagging protection for personnel working on or about the right-of-way.
  • Prepares written reports and completes accident/incident reports thoroughly, accurately and legibly at the end of shifts as required.
  • Works various shifts and days as required. 24/7 availability. Days, Night and Holidays.
  • Regular and consistent engagement, participation and promotion of ACI-Herzog’s Culture and its essential behaviors are a requirement for this position.
  • Regular and predictable attendance and punctuality are a requirement for this position.
  • Other duties as assigned.

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