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Metro Train Driver Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Area Sales Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Fresno, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Area Sales Manager

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$60K - $125K/yr

Train dealers in Western Funding including proper documentation needed for fast funding of ... A valid driver's license is required for this position, as driving is an essential function.

Showing results 21-40

Metro Train Driver information

See California salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do metro train driver jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for metro train driver in California is $18.50, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a metro train driver?

Metro Train Drivers are professionals responsible for operating trains on urban or metropolitan rail networks. They ensure the safe and timely transportation of passengers by adhering to schedules, following safety protocols, and responding to signals and instructions. Their duties include monitoring train systems, communicating with control centers, and handling emergency situations if they arise. Metro Train Drivers play a crucial role in the efficient functioning of public transit systems in cities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a metro train driver?

To thrive as a Metro Train Driver, you need a high school diploma (or equivalent), strong attention to safety, and the ability to follow precise operational procedures, often verified by specialized training or certification. Familiarity with train control systems, communication radios, and signaling technology is typically required. Excellent concentration, situational awareness, and effective communication with passengers and control centers are standout soft skills. These competencies are vital to ensure passenger safety, efficient train operations, and prompt response to unexpected situations.

What are some common challenges faced by metro train drivers during their shifts?

Metro Train Drivers often encounter challenges such as maintaining punctuality despite unexpected delays, adapting to rapidly changing schedules, and ensuring passenger safety during peak hours. Managing stress and staying alert over long shifts, especially when operating in busy urban environments, is also essential. Regular communication with control centers and responding appropriately to technical issues or emergency situations are integral parts of the role, requiring strong problem-solving skills and composure under pressure.

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

AspectMetro Train DriverLight Rail Operator
Required CertificationsTrain operation license, safety certificationsLight rail operation license, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground/suburban rail systems, large stationsStreet-level or dedicated tracks, urban areas
Employer & IndustryPublic transit agencies, metro systemsCity transit authorities, light rail companies

Both roles involve operating rail vehicles within public transit systems, requiring similar certifications and safety training. The main difference lies in the environment: Metro Train Drivers typically operate larger, underground or suburban trains, while Light Rail Operators work on street-level or urban tracks. Understanding these distinctions helps job seekers identify the right career path in public transportation.

How do you become a metro train driver?

To become a metro train driver, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid driver's license, and completion of specialized training provided by the transit agency. This training includes classroom instruction, practical driving experience, and safety procedures, often followed by certification or licensing specific to the region. Prior experience with operating vehicles or machinery can be beneficial, and good vision, hearing, and physical fitness are usually required.

What cities in California are hiring for Metro Train Driver jobs?

Cities in California with the most Metro Train Driver job openings:

Infographic showing various Metro Train Driver job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 64% Full Time, 31% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,484 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

SENIOR MANAGER, WAYSIDE SYSTEMS (TRACTION POWER)

Los Angeles Metro

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life

Re-posted 8 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manages wayside systems work crew activities, including work assignments for preventive maintenance and corrective repairs.

  • Assists with developing goals, establishing plans and priorities, and monitoring operations related to traction power systems and infrastructure components.

  • Prepares reports, data, budgets, and work programs related to operational activities and system performance.


Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

4th of 101 rated public transport


Job description

Salary: $120,556.80 - $180,835.20 Annually
Location : Los Angeles, CA
Job Type: Regular Employee
Job Number: 2400829-3
Cabinet: OPERATIONS
Cost Center: 3928 - RAIL MOW TRACTION POWER SYSTEMS
Opening Date: 06/30/2026
Closing Date: 9/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific
FLSA: Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Contract
Metro's mission is to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all who live, work, and play within LA County.
Description
Assists with the overall management of various aspects of Rail Wayside Systems areas of responsibility, including work crew management and preventive maintenance (PM) work management.
Position Overview: The Senior Manager, Wayside Systems for Traction Power is responsible for managing capital project support, Reg4 testing, and operational activities, such as preventive maintenance and corrective repair programs. This role oversees 11 Supervisors and 137 Inspectors, represented by separate collective bargaining agreements, to ensure optimal system-wide asset performance and substation reliability across infrastructure components, such as station lighting systems, tunnel lighting and ventilation equipment, cross packages, power distribution, overhead catenary system (OCS) and contact wires.
Recruitment Timeline
Interviews are projected to be scheduled for the week of September 14, 2026. These dates are subject to change. We encourage you to monitor your GovernmentJobs.com profile and emails for the latest updates.
Examples of Duties
  • Manages wayside systems work crew activities
  • Distributes work assignments, including PM and corrective work
  • Assists with developing goals, establishment of plans and priorities, and monitoring operations of assigned multi-line Track, Traction Power, Signal and Train Control, or Telecommunications and Communication Systems, or multi-craft Facility Maintenance Departments, including electronic systems, equipment installation, and building and grounds maintenance
  • Conducts special operational and planning projects; prepares related reports, data, budgets, and work programs
  • Maintains records of PM work
  • Assists in the review of contract specifications and monitors performance and budgetary compliance by vendors; recommends amendments to and administers vendor contracts as required
  • Maintains training program for staff and ensures Personnel Qualification Standards are met
  • Assists in the administration of various union contracts for compliance; conducts disciplinary and grievance hearings
  • Develops Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for contractor services
  • Works with other departments, outside agencies, and vendors to coordinate activities
  • Meets with others to discuss and ensure service requirements are met
  • Investigates and reports on accidents and equipment failures
  • Prepares and submits budget proposal for assigned area, and monitors annual expenditures
  • Assesses and submits cost of repair estimates
  • Develops and prepares programs and schedules for equipment upgrades
  • Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees, supervisors and inspectors

May be required to perform other related job duties
Minimum Qualifications
A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field

Experience
  • Six years of relevant experience or three years of relevant supervisory-level experience in facilities operations, maintenance in light/heavy track, signal, traction power, or telecommunications and communications systems requiring at least two years of specialized experience in area of assignment

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements
  • A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions

Preferred Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications (PQs) are used to identify relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities as determined by business necessity. These criteria are considered preferred qualifications and are not intended to serve as minimum requirements for the position. PQs will help support selection decisions throughout the recruitment. In addition, applicants who possess these PQs will not automatically be selected.
  • Experience supervising employees across varied reporting areas
  • Experience conducting project management functions, including project planning, scheduling, budgeting, resource management, and project closure
  • Experience developing procurement packages for Traction Power equipment/services (i.e. scopes of work (SOW)) and related reports
  • Experiential knowledge of Traction Power Systems, including AC and DC high/low voltage systems, substations, rectifiers, relays, overhead catenary, and third rail systems
  • Knowledge of relevant standards for rail electrification, including American Railway Engineering and Maintenance-Of-Way Association (AREMA), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and National Electrical Code (NEC) regulations

Essential Knowledge
Knowledge of (defined as a learned body of information that is required for and applied in the performance of job tasks)
  • Theories, principles, and practices that apply to management of facilities maintenance, general services, track, telecommunications and communication systems, traction power, or signal and train control design and maintenance
  • Safety regulations of the CPUC (California Public Utilities Commission) and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
  • Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing environmental, safety, facilities, and rail maintenance and operations
  • Public agency procurement processes and contract administration
  • Microsoft Office Suite applications
  • Modern management theory

Skill in (defined as the proficient manual, verbal, or mental utilization of data, people, or things)
  • Utilizing procurement processes and procedures
  • Analyzing situations, identifying problems, and recommending solutions
  • Exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
  • Meeting safety requirements
  • Determining strategies to achieve goals
  • Communicating effectively orally and in writing
  • Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
  • Supervising, training, and motivating assigned staff

Ability to (defined as a present competence to perform an observable behavior or produce an observable result)
  • Oversee the operations of a facilities, telecommunications and communication systems, general services, track, traction power, or signal and train control maintenance department
  • Work in teams, including contractors
  • Organize and manage projects
  • Mediate and negotiate, including contracts
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and correspondence
  • Plan financial and staffing needs; manage a budget
  • Compile, analyze, and interpret complex data
  • Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contracts, budgets, and labor/management agreements
  • Travel to offsite locations
  • Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions
  • This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
  • The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
  • Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
  • This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority when classified as an Intermittent, Emergency, Annuitant, or Temporary employee, is assigned to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) or Board Clerk's Office, and/or reporting directly to the LACMTA Board of Directors
  • Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions
  • Typical office situation
  • Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen
  • High noise environment
  • Work on elevated surfaces or below ground level
  • Exposure to moving machinery and/or vehicles
  • Exposure to physical and verbal abuse by clients/customers and/or general public
  • Exposure to radiant or electrical energy (e.g., ionizing radiation, overhead catenary or contact rail power distribution, etc.)
  • Exposure to outdoor weather including extreme heat, cold, dampness and/or humidity
  • Extensive safety training and/or use of protective devices and personal protective equipment
  • Work irregular hours, split shifts, weekends, holidays, or 24-hour-a-day on-call assignments
  • Work in awkward or confining/ enclosed spaces
  • Exposure to hazardous chemicals, solvents, and/or gases
  • Work on slippery on uneven surfaces

Physical Effort Required
  • Sitting at a desk or table
  • Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
  • Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
  • Standing
  • Walking (distance 5' to 100')
  • Communicating through speech in the English language required
  • Good distance vision and/or depth perception to judge distances
  • Color recognition (e.g., distinguishing wires, resistors, containers, light signals, etc.)
  • Smelling
  • Crawling, crouching, squatting, stooping and/or knees
  • Pushing and/or pulling
  • Light lifting or carrying 25 lbs. or less

(ML)
Metro is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, or disability. Learn more about Metro does not deny participation in the application process to anyone with prior justice system involvement, in line with hiring practices.
Selection Procedure
Applicants who best meet job-related qualifications will be invited to participate in the examination process that may consist of any combination of written, performance, or oral appraisal to further evaluate job-related experience, knowledge, skills and abilities.
Application Procedure
To apply, visit Metro's website at www.metro.net and complete an online Employment Application.
Computers are available to complete online Employment Applications at the following Metro locations:
METRO Headquarters, Employment Office
One Gateway Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Open: Monday through Friday, 8am-4pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Metro Talent Hub
8501 S. Evermont Place
Los Angeles, CA 90044
Open: Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

East Los Angeles Customer Center
4501 B Whittier Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90022
Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm
(Closed Sun & Mon)

Wilshire/Vermont Customer Center
3183 Wilshire Blvd, Ste 174
Los Angeles, CA 90010
Open: Monday through Friday, 10am-6pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Rosa Parks Customer Center
Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station
11720 Wilmington Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90059
Open: Monday through Friday, 6am to 6:30pm
(Closed Sat & Sun)

Telephone: (213) 922-6217 or persons with hearing or speech impairments can use California Relay Service 711 to contact Metro.
All completed online Employment Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date. Late applications will not be considered.
*Open to the public and all Metro employees
This job bulletin is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees may be required to perform other related job duties.
*Please refer to the applicable benefit type (Regular or Temporary)*
BENEFITS FOR REGULAR EMPLOYEES
Benefits cover probationary or regular full-time (working at least 40 hrs/week) employees of Metro.
We offer a range of high-quality medical, dental and vision plan options as well as health care spending accounts for you and your family. Metro will cover a significant portion of your health care premiums.
Medical/Dental/Vision Plan - Employee has the choice of 3 separate medical plans and 3 dental plans. A separate vision plan is included in each medical plan.
Group Life Insurance - PTSC pays for an amount equal to your annual salary, rounded up to the nearest $1,000. Minimum amount of life insurance is $30,000.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - PTSC provides $50,000 coverage for each employee. Additional voluntary coverage in amounts up to $500,000 is available at favorable premium rates.
Long-Term Disability Insurance - 100% employer paid. Provides employees with a minimum income o

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