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Light Rail Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Streetcar Operator

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$20.57/hr

Streetcar Operators operate light rail vehicles safely and in accordance with a designated schedule and observe all laws, regulations and procedures. The responsibilities include performing the safe ...

Rail Hostler

Norfolk, VA ยท On-site

$23.67/hr

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required. * Performs ...

Operates Light Rail Vehicles within the confines of the storage yard and maintenance building. Operates a variety of non-revenue equipment in varying operating situations as required. * Performs ...

Electrician

Saint Louis, MO ยท On-site

$35.19 - $37.15/hr

Assists in the maintenance and repair of other electrical systems of the MetroLink light rail ... Must observe all applicable Operating Rules, Safety Rules, Operating Procedures, and Work ...

$224 - $249/hr

Serve as the primary client-facing leader for regional transit agencies, commuter rail operators ... Light Rail Transit (LRT)* Commuter Rail* Heavy Rail and Metro Systems* Regional Transit Programs*

MD ยท Hybrid

$120K - $190K/yr

... game on the Light Rail; embarked on a cruise from the Port of Baltimore; received roadside ... rail operators. Eliminating conflicts between local development and rail operations, including ...

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Light Rail Operator information

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$10

$27

$66

How much do light rail operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail operator in the United States is $27.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.83 and $27.40 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 provided by the transit agency, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training, and often pass a licensing exam or certification specific to operating light rail vehicles.

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.
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What cities are hiring for Light Rail Operator jobs?

Cities with the most Light Rail Operator job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Light Rail Operator jobs?

The most popular types of Light Rail Operator jobs are:

What states have the most Light Rail Operator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Light Rail Operator jobs include:

Infographic showing various Light Rail Operator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% Full Time, 61% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,298 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer - Job ID 95927

Saint Paul, MN โ€ข On-site

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
Public Administrationย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$39.06 - $57.47/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Job Summary

**Employees may telework up to 50% or more, depending on the position and the needs of the division. 

The Department of Public Safety are seeking a Senior Pipeline and Light Rail Engineer to support the Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) and Office of State Safety Oversight (OSSO) divisions. This position will evaluate compliance with pipeline safety and rail fixed guideway public transportation laws, statutes, and regulations by supervising, providing training to engineers, and/or performing inspections, investigations, evaluations, and enforcement, and other communications under Minnesota Statute 299A.017, 299f.56 - .641, 299J, and 216D pursuant to the certification process through United States Code, title 49, chapter 601 sections 60101 through 60140 and any successor or supplemental requirements and the Federal Public Transportation Act of 2012.

This position will respond to requests from governing agencies, public and private organizations, and individuals to provide education, positive stakeholder relations, and other issues concerning pipelines/light rail, often with little or no supervision from headquarters. Serves as a senior technical staff member to coordinate and analyze existing and new inspection program plans and activities, such as annual inspection program plan, performance measures, operator qualifications, and integrity management, or other assigned projects. Develops specific policies and procedures necessary to coordinate the engineering activities of professional engineers and technical support staff and provides recommendations to the principal Engineer, Chief Engineer, and the Director.

This is an excellent opportunity to make an impact by leading vital safety oversight, mentor engineers, and protect the State of Minnesota's infrastructure and communities.

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

Engineering Experience including:

  • Knowledge of theoretical engineering and practical engineering experience.
  • Ability to evaluate conditions and conversations with person and organizations with diverse agendas, experience, education and goals, and remain capable of representing the positions of MNOPS with guidance from supervisor as required.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to successfully obtain PTSCTP certificate from FTA and successful completion of PHMSA TQ.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities.

Bachelor of Science degree and licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Minnesota.

  • Ability to drive a State-issued vehicle in compliance with all applicable laws and requirements. Must reside within Minnesota and 1 hour commute of St. Paul office.
  • Ability to travel overnight up to 30% as required to meet the needs of the division.
  • Participate in a weekly On-Call rotation for receiving after-hours emergency notifications.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of rail fixed guideway transportation systems or heavy rail subject to the regulatory provisions 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter II or Chapter VI.
  • Experience with the design, engineering, construction, operations and maintenance of natural gas pipelines or hazardous liquid pipelines subject to the regulatory provisions of 49 CFR Subtitle B, Chapter I, Subchapter D Pipeline Safety.

Physical Requirements

Requires occasionally moving and transporting such articles as file folders and small tools. May need to maintain a stationary position for long periods of time while carrying out job duties.

Additional Requirements

It is the policy of the Department of Public Safety that all employees submit to a background investigation prior to employment, which includes successful completion of the following background components:

Criminal history

Reference check

Driver's license check

Drug screen

SEMA4 records, personnel file and employment records (current and former State employees only)

The Department of Public Safety is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DPS does not participate in E-Verify.

Company Description

When you bring your career to the State of Minnesota, the work you do affects the quality of life of millions of Minnesotans. From those who shape policy, to those who keep us safe, preserve our environment, or take care of our most vulnerable populations, we take our responsibilities to the public seriously. We need diverse and talented individuals – like you – to serve our great state and build a better Minnesota.