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Light Rail Train Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Herzog

Train Dispatcher

Austin, TX · On-site

... with operating rules, policies, and procedures of Herzog Transit Services, Inc., and the commuter ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

Herzog Contracting Corp

Train Dispatcher

Austin, TX · On-site

... with operating rules, policies, and procedures of Herzog Transit Services, Inc., and the commuter ... light rail, streetcar, and freight rail projects. We believe our culture is at the heart of our ...

King County

Rail Electrical Worker

Bellevue, WA · On-site

Work safely to maintain Light Rail Overhead Contact Systems (OCS); and associated components such ... Trim trees and other vegetation which may interfere with train movement or electrical installations.

ACI-Herzog - 244

Track Maintainer

Jersey City, NJ

$15.99/hr

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 ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

Martin Marietta

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

King County

Transit Chief -Rail Ops (base)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$121K - $146K/yr

Together with Metro's extensive fixed-route bus system and mobility services, the Link Light Rail ... Supervise and direct the work of Rail supervisors and operators, exhibiting positive leadership and ...

Martin Marietta Materials

Rail Operator

Canon City, CO · On-site

$26.90 - $36.40/hr

Ensure 100% compliance with all train orders, signals, railroad operating rules, FRA regulations, and MSHA standards. * Perform comprehensive physical inspections of railcars, air brake hoses, safety ...

Sun Tran

Streetcar Operator

Tucson, AZ · 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 ...

Parsons

Sr. Systems Engineering Manager

Austin, TX

... Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter rail, and conventional train control projects, serving as the ... Coordinate with clients, contractors, vehicle suppliers, designers, operators, and third-party ...

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All JobsLight Rail Train Operator Jobs

Light Rail Train Operator information

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$8

$28

$68

How much do light rail train operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail train operator in the United States is $28.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $34.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Light Rail Train Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong situational awareness, and a thorough understanding of transit regulations and safety procedures. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes possession of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) are required. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills. These competencies are vital for ensuring passenger safety, adhering to schedules, and efficiently handling both routine and emergency situations.

What are Light Rail Train Operators?

Light Rail Train Operators are professionals responsible for driving and controlling light rail vehicles, ensuring passenger safety, and adhering to schedules and traffic regulations. They monitor train operations, communicate with dispatchers, respond to emergencies, and assist passengers as needed. Operators also perform basic inspections of their vehicles before and after trips to ensure they are functioning properly. This role requires strong attention to detail, customer service skills, and knowledge of safety procedures.

What are the typical challenges faced by Light Rail Train Operators during their shifts and how are they addressed?

Light Rail Train Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules, ensuring passenger safety during peak hours, and responding to unexpected incidents like signal malfunctions or track obstructions. Operators must remain alert and calm under pressure, utilizing effective communication with dispatchers and emergency responders when necessary. Ongoing training and strong teamwork with maintenance crews and station staff help operators handle these situations efficiently, ensuring smooth and safe rail operations.

What is the difference between Light Rail Train Operator vs Bus Driver?

AspectLight Rail Train OperatorBus Driver
CredentialsCommercial driver's license (CDL), sometimes additional certifications for rail operationCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentOperate trains on fixed rail tracks, often in urban areasDrive buses on designated routes, often in city streets
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesPublic transit agencies, private bus companies
Job Search & ComparisonOften compared due to transit operation and licensing requirementsCommon alternative for transit operators

The Light Rail Train Operator and Bus Driver roles both require CDL licenses and involve operating vehicles in public transit settings. While train operators focus on rail systems within urban areas, bus drivers navigate city streets. Both roles are essential for public transportation and share similar credentials, but differ in work environment and vehicle operation specifics.

More about Light Rail Train Operator jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail Train Operator jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail Train Operator job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail Train Operator jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail Train Operator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Train Operator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Train Operator jobs are:
Light Rail Train Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Train Operator job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,892 per year, or $28.3 per hour.
Train Control System Manager - Vehicle Traffic Control System (Intelligent Interface Device)

Train Control System Manager - Vehicle Traffic Control System (Intelligent Interface Device)

Dragados

Riverdale, MD • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 hours ago

Job description

Dragados USA, on behalf of its joint venture, Maryland Transit Solutions, is currently seeking to hire a Traffic Control System Manager for our project office in Maryland.
The Traffic Control System Manager will be responsible for managing the design, fabrication, installation, wiring and testing of all vehicular traffic control system interfaces with train control and communications network for the new light rail project. These intelligent interface devices (IID) will be deployed as part of the light rail system, to manage Priority and Pre-emption of Purple line Light Rail Vehicles (LRV's) through vehicular intersections.
  • Manage project wide traffic, ITS and interface device (IID) equipment vendors/subcontractors to facilitate timely design, fabrication and delivery of traffic control/ITS/IID system work at traffic intersections & control centers.
  • Manage installation and testing of all traffic control/ITS/IID system work. This includes backbone networks express & local raceways, copper and fiber cabling, network, CCTV, RF, etc.
  • Coordinate traffic control/ITS/IID system work with other technical disciplines including - civil, train control, utilities, LRV's, integration and system safety.

Work closely with all stakeholders to expedite testing, commissioning, and closeout of all traffic control/ITS/IID system related work
Required
  • BSEE degree Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related discipline
  • 10+ years relevant work experience
  • Familiarity with design, installation & testing of traffic control/ITS/IID systems

Preferred
  • Experience with the implementation of electronic control devices to facilitate priority and pre-emption of Light Rail Vehicles through vehicular intersections.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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