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Light Rail Vehicle Operator Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Rail Vehicle Mechanic

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$27.49 - $34.36/hr

Light Rail Vehicle Mechanic Purpose of Role: Ensure vehicle safety, reliability and readiness through Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) mechanical systems maintenance and repair, expert service and emergency ...

Perform inspections, light preventative maintenance and minor repair of rail vehicles Monitor and identify components and systems requiring diagnosis or repair Maintain work records, maintenance and ...

Rail Vehicle Mechanic

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$27.49 - $41.23/hr

Ensure vehicle safety, reliability and readiness through Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) mechanical systems maintenance and repair, expert service and emergency responsiveness. This position is designated ...

Rail Vehicle Mechanic

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.08 - $37.62/hr

Ensure vehicle safety, reliability and readiness through Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) mechanical systems maintenance and repair, expert service and emergency responsiveness. This position is designated ...

Rail Vehicle Mechanic

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.08 - $37.62/hr

Ensure vehicle safety, reliability and readiness through Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) mechanical systems maintenance and repair, expert service and emergency responsiveness. This position is designated ...

LRV Maintenance Supervisor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$38.45 - $57.67/hr

Ensure Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) fleet readiness by supervising light rail vehicle maintenance staff ... Liaising between operators and maintenance teams. Communication and interpersonal skills to ...

LRV Maintenance Supervisor

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$38.45 - $57.67/hr

Ensure Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) fleet readiness by supervising light rail vehicle maintenance staff ... Liaising between operators and maintenance teams. * Communication and interpersonal skills to ...

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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 ...

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... operators assignments, investigate accidents, incidents, derailments and injuries, and maintain a variety of reports; troubleshoot and operate malfunctioning light rail vehicles; operate track ...

Track Maintenance Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.22 - $37.83/hr

The Track Maintainer ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the light rail ... Operates hi-rail vehicles, small cranes, and other vehicles used in track maintenance inspection ...

Track Maintenance Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$25.22 - $37.83/hr

The Track Maintainer ensures the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the light rail ... Operates hi-rail vehicles, small cranes, and other vehicles used in track maintenance inspection ...

Signal Systems Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$32.66 - $48.99/hr

Position requires the incumbent to successfully qualify to operate light rail vehicles. Incumbent is required to obtain a Class B CDL permit within 90 days of attending New Employee Orientation and ...

Signal Systems Technician

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$32.66 - $48.99/hr

Position requires the incumbent to successfully qualify to operate light rail vehicles. Incumbent is required to obtain a Class B CDL permit within 90 days of attending New Employee Orientation and ...

Position requires the incumbent to successfully qualify to operate light rail vehicles. Incumbent ... Operating high-rail vehicles, specialty tools and equipment proficiently. Responding promptly to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Light Rail Vehicle Operator information

See Arizona salary details

$12

$22

$29

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

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail vehicle operator in Arizona is $22.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $24.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a light rail vehicle operator?

Light Rail Vehicle Operators are professionals responsible for operating light rail trains that transport passengers along predetermined urban routes. They ensure the safe and timely operation of the vehicles, monitor passenger safety, and adhere to traffic regulations and schedules. Their duties also include communicating with dispatchers, assisting passengers as needed, and responding effectively to emergencies or unexpected situations. Light Rail Vehicle Operators must have thorough knowledge of safety protocols and the ability to remain alert and focused throughout their shifts.

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

To thrive as a Light Rail Vehicle Operator, you need a valid driver’s license, knowledge of transit regulations, and the ability to safely operate rail vehicles, often requiring completion of specialized training or certification programs. Familiarity with train control systems, communication devices, and fare collection equipment is typically essential. Strong attention to detail, calmness under pressure, and effective communication with passengers and dispatch make operators stand out. These skills and qualifications ensure safe, timely, and customer-focused transit service for the public.

What challenges do light rail vehicle operators face during their shifts?

Light Rail Vehicle Operators often encounter challenges such as managing unpredictable traffic conditions, maintaining strict adherence to schedules, and ensuring passenger safety during peak travel times. Operators are trained to stay alert, communicate effectively with dispatchers, and follow established safety protocols. Regular refresher training and strong support from supervisors help operators address these issues, ensuring a safe and reliable transit experience for all passengers.

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

AspectLight Rail Vehicle OperatorBus Driver
CredentialsDriver's license, sometimes specialized transit certificationCommercial driver's license (CDL)
Work EnvironmentOperate trains on fixed tracks in urban areasDrive buses on designated routes on roads
Employer & IndustryTransit agencies, rail systemsPublic and private transportation companies
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for transit operation rolesSimilar public transportation jobs

Both roles involve operating vehicles for public transit, requiring specific licenses and working in urban environments. While Light Rail Vehicle Operators focus on trains on fixed tracks, Bus Drivers operate on roads with flexible routes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right transit role based on credentials and work setting.

How much do light rail vehicle operators make?

Light rail vehicle operators typically earn an average annual salary of around $50,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and union agreements. They often require a commercial driver's license and safety training, and may work flexible hours including weekends and holidays.
Infographic showing various Light Rail Vehicle Operator job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 63% Full Time, 34% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,338 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Light Rail Operator
Department: Operations
Reports To: Transportation Superintendents & Transportation/Dispatch Coordinators
Salary Range: Wage rate based on ATU Local 1433
Hours: Full Time

SUMMARY:
Responsible for safe operation and transportation of rail vehicles and passengers

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to the following:
• Complete and maintain certification to operate light rail vehicle
• Follow and comply with of all rules, regulations and signals governing day to day operations
• Assure that all train operations occur within safe limits of speed, route, dwell, and other characteristics of train operations
• Coordinate with and respond to the direction of local supervision and OCC in all aspects of revenue service operations
• Respond to passenger calls on the train intercom (POIC)
• Assist passengers in all situations and keep them informed of current conditions through announcements over PA system or personal contact
• In the event of an emergency assist in the evacuation of passengers form the train onto the station, platform or right of way
• Monitor all on-board conditions to ensure vehicles are operating as designed
• Troubleshoot the vehicle as directed by Supervision in the event of any abnormal situations and file a completed Defect Report with Maintenance
• File unusual occurrences reports (UOR) for any incident as directed by end of the current shift
• Coordinate closely with Supervisors and other staff to ensure the safety, comfort and convenience of all passengers
• Be able to multitask and communicate effectively.
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and/or Experience
Minimum of high school diploma or general education degree (GED), two years related work experience and successfully complete training program
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
21 years or older with valid driver’s license and valid DOT certification and any other certificates, licenses and registrations as required by law to perform the specified functions.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
The employee must be able to distinguish between colors.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ACI reserves the right to revise this job description from time to time.

NOTE:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees assigned to this job.


ACI is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. We recruit, hire, train and promote persons in all job classifications and ensure that all other personnel actions are administered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, gender, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by law.