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Light Rail Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Light Rail Transit design experience * Familiarity with BRT/LRT standards and best practices * Excellent communication and writing skills. Additional Information * Travel may be required for this ...

Light Rail Transit design experience * Familiarity with BRT/LRT standards and best practices * Excellent communication and writing skills. Additional Information * Travel may be required for this ...

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 ...

New

Link light rail currently spans a 44.5-mile route from Federal Way to Lynnwood and a 14.8-mile route from Redmond to the International District Additional expansions to the Link system will be coming ...

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Light Rail information

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$20

$25

$30

How much do light rail jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for light rail 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 operator?

To thrive as a Light Rail Operator, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver’s license, and strong knowledge of transportation safety regulations. Familiarity with train control systems, signaling equipment, and fare collection technology is important, and some positions may require completion of specialized transit operator training or certification. Excellent communication skills, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help operators stand out. These skills and qualifications are essential to ensure passenger safety, maintain efficient operations, and provide reliable public transit service.

What is a light rail operator?

Light rail operators are trained professionals who drive and manage the operation of light rail transit vehicles, which run on tracks typically in urban areas. Their responsibilities include safely transporting passengers, adhering to schedules, operating controls, monitoring track signals, and assisting passengers as needed. They also perform pre-trip inspections and handle emergency situations if they arise. Light rail operators play a crucial role in providing efficient and reliable public transportation in many cities.

How do you become a light rail driver?

To become a light rail driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and a clean driving record. They must complete specialized training on operating light rail vehicles, which includes safety procedures, operational skills, and sometimes obtaining a transit operator certification. Prior experience in driving or public transportation can be beneficial, and a background check is usually required.

What is the difference between Light Rail vs Bus Operator?

AspectLight RailBus Operator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, sometimes specialized certificationsHigh school diploma, valid driver's license, commercial driver's license (CDL) often preferred
Work EnvironmentOperate on fixed rail tracks, often in urban areas, with scheduled routesOperate on roads and streets, flexible routes, often in various traffic conditions
Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, urban transportation systemsPublic transit, private transportation companies, school districts

Both Light Rail and Bus Operators work in public transportation, requiring similar licensing and safety certifications. Light Rail operators typically work on fixed tracks within urban transit systems, offering a more predictable environment. Bus Operators drive on roads with variable traffic, providing flexible routes. Understanding these differences helps job seekers choose the right career path in public transit.

What are some common challenges faced by light rail operators, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Light Rail Operators often encounter challenges such as adhering to strict schedules, maintaining passenger safety during peak hours, and managing unexpected delays or technical issues. New hires can prepare by familiarizing themselves with the transit system’s safety protocols, practicing effective communication with both passengers and dispatchers, and staying calm under pressure. Additionally, being attentive to signals and learning to troubleshoot minor issues quickly can help operators handle daily responsibilities more confidently and efficiently.
More about Light Rail jobs
What cities are hiring for Light Rail jobs? Cities with the most Light Rail job openings:
What states have the most Light Rail jobs? States with the most job openings for Light Rail jobs include:
Infographic showing various Light Rail job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,325 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Electro-Mechanical Technician Apprentice - Light Rail Vehicle

San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

San Diego, CA • On-site

$46.33/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


San Diego Metropolitan Transit System rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 98 rated public transport


Job description

Summary

San Diego Trolley, Inc. (MTS) offers a 4-year apprenticeship program, leading to a rewarding career working on the light rail system for America's finest city. MTS offers competitive wages, exceptional benefits, career advancement, tools and uniforms. Learn the skills necessary to move up the career ladder as an Assistant Lineman, Lineman and Electromechanic responsible for the highly skilled repair and maintenance of the MTS Rail System.

Application Review:Applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing basis.
Interviews are typically conducted on a weekly basis.

What is an Apprentice Responsible for?

  • Perform Preventative Maintenance and Safety inspections on LRV (Light Rail Vehicles aka "Trolleys")
  • Perform mechanical, hydraulic, electrical and electronic repairs on LRVs
  • Perform Diagnostics and troubleshooting on LRVs
  • Rebuild and overhaul LRV subcomponents and systems
  • Provide emergency response to recover LRVs in the field
  • Provide maintenance support for MTS Special Events service
  • Perform Preventative Maintenance to supporting maintenance workshop equipment

Paid Training and Education

The Apprenticeship Program is divided into two (2) main segments: Assistant Lineman and Lineman. Each segment is approximately two years in duration and consists of on-the-job training and formal classroom training. The formal classroom training is conducted on the employee's own time and may consist of attending classes at San Diego City College, or other approved local junior colleges, as well as formal classes held on MTS premises. MTS pays for the cost of the tuition and books. Apprentices attend classes while working full-time.

At the conclusion of the Assistant Lineman Apprenticeship Program, the State of California awards the employee a Journeyman's Certificate as an Assistant Lineman. The employee is then enrolled in the Apprentice Lineman Program. At the conclusion of the Lineman Program, the employee is awarded a Journeyman's Certificate as a Lineman. The employee is then eligible for promotion to Electromechanic.

Competitive Wages

Starting rate of pay is $25.47 per hour. After a six-month probationary period, the employee is eligible for a pay raise to $27.78 per hour and eligible for wage increases every six months thereafter. Top rate of pay for an Assistant Lineman is $34.81 per hour. Top rate of pay for a Lineman is $40.12 per hour. Top rate of pay for an Electromechanic (after approximately six years from hire date) is $46.33 per hour.

Benefits

MTS offers competitive benefits including, but not limited to, medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, paid time off, retirement plans, and wellness programs.

Additionalperksand benefits include:

  • Employer-paid holidays (up to 13 per year, including 3 floating holidays)
  • Free transit pass for you and your family
  • On-site gym and gym membership reimbursement
  • Walk, run, and bike event reimbursement
  • Employer-paid bereavementleaveand jury duty
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
  • Company-paid training and professional development opportunities
  • And much more!

What we are looking for in a candidate!

Requirements:

  • Proof of graduation from High School or GED Certificate.
  • Must have passed one semester of Algebra with a grade of C or better, from High School or College.
  • Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license. You will need to submit a driver record.

DISCLAIMER: The above described job elements are intended to indicate the general nature and levels of work being performed by employees assigned to the job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required of employees so classified. Management retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

EEO is The Law - Equal Employer Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age (40 years or older), sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, medical condition (cured or rehabilitated cancer), physical disability, mental disability, reproductive health decision-making, genetic information (including family medical history), military or veteran status, or any other protected class.

MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.


What San Diego Metropolitan Transit System employees say

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