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Light Rail Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Chemical Mix Operator- Nights

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Load and Unload tanks, rail cars, tanker trailers, and all other containers * Regularly lift 75 ... Light maintenance * Desire and demonstrated ability to work safely and promote safety and safe work ...

Chemical Mix Operator- Swings

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Load and Unload tanks, rail cars, tanker trailers, and all other containers * Regularly lift 75 ... Light maintenance * Desire and demonstrated ability to work safely and promote safety and safe work ...

Conversion- Dispatch Specialist

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rail operators, and port operators * Meets all customer levels of service and deadline requirements ... The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such ...

... Third Street Light Rail in San Francisco, Minute Maid Park in Houston and multiple airport ... Create standard operating procedures (SOP)s, including electrical safety topics, that align with ...

Conversion- Dispatch Specialist

Red Bluff, CA · On-site

$23 - $26/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... rail operators, and port operators * Meets all customer levels of service and deadline requirements ... The Company may adjust this range in light of prevailing market conditions and other factors such ...

... Third Street Light Rail in San Francisco, Minute Maid Park in Houston and multiple airport ... Create standard operating procedures (SOP)s, including electrical safety topics, that align with ...

Electrical Foreman

Colton, CA · On-site

$49/hr

  • Medical

  • Retirement

  • PTO

High-Light Electric (HLE) is seeking an Electrical Foreman to lead crews in the field and play a ... Traffic Control / Flagger Certification, Confined Space, Aerial Work Platform, Forklift, Railroad ...

Track Welder

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · On-site

$43.21/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

... track welder operating welding equipment used on railroad construction or maintenance work ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

QA Training Specialist

Oakland, CA

$48.07 - $57.69/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), standard railroad rules and operating ... Perform light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force. * Able to walk on uneven ...

QA Training Specialist

Oakland, CA · On-site

$48.07 - $57.69/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

Knowledge of General Code of Operating Rules (GCOR), standard railroad rules and operating ... Perform light work, occasionally exerting up to 20 pounds of force. * Able to walk on uneven ...

Showing results 41-60

Light Rail Operator information

See California salary details

$10

$26

$64

How much do light rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail operator in California is $26.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.48 and $26.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a light rail operator?

A Light Rail Operator is responsible for safely operating light rail vehicles to transport passengers along a designated route. They monitor train functions, follow schedules, make station announcements, and ensure passenger safety. Operators must adhere to traffic regulations, respond to emergencies, and provide customer service. This role requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.

What does a light rail operator do?

A typical day for a Light Rail Operator involves preparing the train for service, operating the train along scheduled routes, monitoring signals, and adhering to safety regulations. Operators frequently interact with passengers, providing assistance or information as needed and responding calmly to unexpected situations, such as delays or emergencies. The role often requires working varying shifts, including early mornings, nights, weekends, or holidays. Light Rail Operators collaborate closely with dispatchers, maintenance crews, and fellow operators to ensure smooth and safe transit operations throughout their shift.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a light rail operator?

To thrive as a Light Rail Operator, you generally need a high school diploma or GED, a clean driving record, and strong mechanical aptitude. Familiarity with rail operations, signaling systems, and often completion of formal safety and operational training or certification is typically required. Excellent situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to stay calm under pressure are highly valued soft skills. These competencies ensure the safe, timely, and efficient transportation of passengers while adhering to strict operational and safety protocols.

How do you become a light rail operator?

To become a light rail operator, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. They must complete a training program that covers safety procedures, operational skills, and customer service, often provided by the transit agency, and may need to pass written and practical exams before starting work.

How much do light rail operators make?

Light rail operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, location, and employer. They often require a commercial driver's license and safety training, and may work flexible hours including evenings and weekends.

What job categories do people searching Light Rail Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Light Rail Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Light Rail Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Light Rail Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Light Rail Operator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,108 per year, or $27 per hour.

Chemical Mix Operator- Swings

Thatcher Company, Inc.

Sacramento, CA

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Thatcher Company rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

Make a meaningful difference: At Thatcher Chemical facilities across the nation, our manufacturing teams create the essential chemistries, processes, and solutions that support clean water, safe environments, reliable infrastructure, and critical industries. From production and quality to logistics and distribution, your precision, dedication, and commitment to continuous improvement help transform raw materials and innovative science into real-world solutions. Your purpose-driven work plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting communities, and shaping a safer, more sustainable future. 

Join our team as a Chemical Mix Operator Swings Schedule

Base pay $23-26 plus shift differential.

The Plant Operator position will be responsible for all production, blending, loading, and unloading of all plant chemicals. You will need to understand and operate all plant processes and procedures while keeping a safe and clean working environment. 

Role Responsibilities. 

  • Produce and mix chemicals as needed
  • Understand and operate plant equipment and processes
  • Load and Unload tanks, rail cars, tanker trailers, and all other containers
  • Regularly lift 75 pounds
  • Operate pumps, mixers, and blenders
  • Operate forklift
  • Keep work area clean
  • Light maintenance
  • Desire and demonstrated ability to work safely and promote safety and safe work practices.
  • Be quality conscious.
  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Stability in work history. Prefer a minimum of 2-3 years of prior work experience.
  • Willing to submit to a background screening.
  • Willing to submit to a pre-employment drug screen and physical.
  • Ability to read, write, speak, and understand the English language well. This is a safety as well as an operational issue.
  • Aptitude to follow written and verbal instructions in detail and learn additional skills with experience.
  • Capacity to work in extreme conditions (temperature) and lift up to 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Flexibility to work varying hours or shifts if necessary.
  • Experience in a manufacturing environment, including the use of tools and equipment, is preferred.
  • Ability to wear applicable personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemical resistant gloves and boots, safety glasses, hard hat, face shield, full-face respirator (if required), chemical splash suit (overalls and jacket)

    Why Thatcher is right for you

  • 100% company-funded Profit-Sharing Plan (up to 25% of salary annually)
  • 401 (k) with traditional and Roth contribution options
  • Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short- and long-term disability, HSA/FSA,
  • 3+ weeks of PTO, and paid holidays
  • Safety Bonus- up to $250 per quarter
  • Education reimbursement and ongoing professional development

The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website. Thatcher is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, including protected Veterans and individuals with disabilities.


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