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Light Rail Transit Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VHB

Director of Transit & Rail Engineering

Lansdale, PA · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

These projects span conceptual through final design, and include light rail transit, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, and freight rail improvements. You will oversee the ...

VHB

Director of Transit & Rail Engineering

Lansdale, PA · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

These projects span conceptual through final design, and include light rail transit, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, and freight rail improvements. You will oversee the ...

VHB

Director of Transit & Rail Engineering

Lansdale, PA · On-site

$180K - $220K/yr

These projects span conceptual through final design, and include light rail transit, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, and freight rail improvements. You will oversee the ...

VHB

Director of Transit & Rail Engineering

Lansdale, PA · Hybrid

$180K - $220K/yr

These projects span conceptual through final design, and include light rail transit, bus rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity passenger rail, and freight rail improvements. You will oversee the ...

Jacobs

Senior Rail & Transit Engineer

Manhattan, NY

$115.20K - $158.20K/yr

Provide rail and vehicle engineering, support to a variety of consulting assignments that include light rail, medium rail and advanced rapid transit systems Lead the rail vehicle engineering ...

Jacobs

Senior Rail & Transit Engineer

New York, NY

$114.30K - $157K/yr

Provide rail and vehicle engineering, support to a variety of consulting assignments that include light rail, medium rail and advanced rapid transit systems Lead the rail vehicle engineering ...

Parsons

Sr. Systems Engineering Manager

Austin, TX

In this position, you will be the technical lead for major Light Rail Transit (LRT), commuter rail, and conventional train control projects, serving as the Systems Engineering Lead, Systems ...

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How much do light rail transit jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail transit 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 Transit Operator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Light Rail Transit Operator, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong attention to safety, and knowledge of transit regulations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling technology, and sometimes possession of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are typically required. Excellent communication, situational awareness, and customer service skills help operators manage passengers and respond to unexpected situations. These competencies ensure the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of light rail services for the public.

What are some common challenges Light Rail Transit Operators face during their shifts?

Light Rail Transit Operators often encounter challenges such as maintaining strict adherence to schedules while ensuring passenger safety and comfort. They must remain alert to monitor track conditions, signals, and unexpected obstacles, especially during inclement weather or heavy traffic times. Additionally, operators frequently communicate with dispatchers and respond to passenger inquiries or incidents, requiring strong problem-solving and customer service skills. Balancing these responsibilities in a fast-paced, public-facing environment is a key aspect of the role.

What are light rail transit operators?

Light rail transit operators are professionals responsible for driving and managing light rail vehicles, which are trains that typically run on urban tracks and provide public transportation within cities. They ensure the safe and timely operation of the trains, assist passengers, monitor equipment, and respond to emergencies or disruptions. Operators follow strict schedules, adhere to safety protocols, and may also handle basic troubleshooting of the vehicle. Their role is crucial in providing efficient and reliable transit services to the public.

What is the difference between Light Rail Transit vs Bus Driver?

AspectLight Rail TransitBus Driver
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, CDL or transit-specific trainingHigh school diploma, CDL license
Work EnvironmentRail stations, tracks, transit vehiclesOn-road, various routes, street-level driving
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, rail companiesPublic/private transit companies, school districts
Common Search/ComparisonPublic transit roles, rail operationsPublic transit driving jobs, bus operation

Light Rail Transit and Bus Driver roles both serve public transportation needs but differ mainly in work environment and vehicle type. Light Rail Transit involves operating rail vehicles on fixed tracks, often requiring specialized training, while Bus Drivers operate on streets and require a CDL license. Both roles are essential in transit systems and share similar credentials, but their work settings and vehicle types distinguish them.

More about Light Rail Transit jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail Transit jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail Transit job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail Transit jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail Transit jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Light Rail Transit jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Light Rail Transit jobs are:
Light Rail Transit jobs near you
Infographic showing various Light Rail Transit job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 6% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,325 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Construction Site Inspectors & Engineers (Rail Transit & NYCT)

Tectonic MSA LLC

Forest Hills, NY

$43 - $85/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Tectonic is currently seeking full-time Construction Site Inspectors amp; Engineers with rail transit experience for upcoming MTA Transit projects (NYC Transit, Metro North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road, Staten Island Railway, Bus, etc.), as well as for upcoming NJ Transit and Amtrak projects!
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
  • Performs construction inspection on rail transit projects, including commuter railroads, subways / rapid transit systems and light-rail systems. Work will involve rail infrastructure elements such as: stations, facilities, shops, yards, signal systems, communication systems, power systems, bridges and viaducts, tunnels, track systems, drainage, structural elements, fare payment systems, vertical transportation systems, security systems, and associated work;
  • Monitors contractor’s daily activities and using applicable field testing and inspection procedures and equipment to perform required field inspections and testing;
  • Preparation of daily field inspection reports, including communication of deficiencies observed in the field to Project Managers, Resident Engineers, contractors, and/or client representatives;
  • Interpretation of drawings, specifications, and other construction documents, including work orders and build documents;
  • Follows and enforces Company and project safety and quality management protocols;
  • All related duties as required to ensure the successful completion of assigned projects.
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant rail transit inspection or other equivalent rail transit design / construction work experience is required; experience with public agencies is a plus;
  • BS Degree or Equivalent in Civil, Structural, Electrical or Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management preferred;
  • Applicable NICET certification(s) preferred;
  • Ability to understand and interpret written specifications, plans, and construction documents for work orders and build documents;
  • Ability to effectively communicate with clients, supervisors, and contractors regarding project requirements, specifications, work quality, and qualification test results;
  • Detail-oriented, with capability to detect non-conformities and complete detailed reports within a timely manner;
  • A valid, clean driver’s license and personal vehicle to travel to job sites is preferred;
  • Must be willing to work nights and weekends as needed;
  • All other related duties as required to ensure the successful completion of assigned projects.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the essential functions of this position, the employee is frequently required to assume a stationary position, handle, inspect, and/or feel documents, materials and/or equipment relevant to the job and communicate about same. The employee is also regularly required to move around on project sites and within buildings and other structures, including ascending or descending the landscape or on a ladder, and positioning themselves appropriately to access necessary testing materials and equipment, frequently for prolonged periods of time. For rail transit projects, the job-site will often consist of hazards associated with an operating rail transit system, including but not limited to: trains traveling at high rates of speed adjacent to the work area, electrified third rail or catenary wire, stone ballast walking surfaces, track systems including running rail, concrete or creosote-soaked timber ties, and uneven ballast surfaces. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and sometimes lift and/or move up to 55 lbs. The employee is constantly working in outdoor weather conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, extreme cold, and precipitation.
The employee will also communicate with colleagues, supervisors and clients utilizing Corporate and client e-mail and telephone systems. Employees may also be required to undergo substance abuse testing in accordance with project requirements, US DOT Regulations, and/or Company policy. The employee may occasionally be required to operate a computer, as well as other related office machinery, such as calculators, printers, and copy machines. This position also may require the regular operation of a motor-vehicle, which may require remaining stationary for extended periods of time.
The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
COMPETITIVE SALARY amp; BENEFITS PACKAGE
Tectonic offers competitive salaries along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes:
  • Opportunities for mentoring, professional development, and career advancement
  • Tuition reimbursement to advance education
  • Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days
  • Company-observed, paid holidays
  • 401(k) retirement plan with profit-sharing opportunities
  • Comprehensive group medical insurance, including health, dental, vision, and life coverage
  • High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) option paired with a Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for medical expenses and dependent care
  • Commuter benefits for public transportation costs
  • Short and long-term disability coverage
  • Employee Assistance Program
PAY RANGE
Tectonic’s goal is to compensate employees fairly and equitably across all positions Companywide. Our advertised pay ranges are representative of our good faith effort to provide a reasonable anticipated salary range. The offered pay may be outside of the provided salary range based upon the selected candidate’s work location, experience, education, certifications, and capabilities compared to the advertised position.
Pay Range: $43.00 - $85.00 / hour
Tectonic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. Tectonic participates in USCIS E-Verify to verify employment authorization.

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