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Transit Manager Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

HDR is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to support our growing transit and rail market sectors; This Position is responsible for providing project management and technical services to ...

HDR is seeking a highly motivated Project Manager to support our growing transit and rail market sectors; This Position is responsible for providing project management and technical services to ...

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Showing results 1-20

Transit Manager information

See Washington salary details

$31.1K

$92.5K

$155.7K

How much do transit manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for transit manager in Washington is $92,507.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,600.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a transit manager?

Transit Managers are professionals responsible for overseeing the daily operations of public transportation systems, such as buses, subways, or light rail. They coordinate schedules, manage staff, handle budgets, and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Transit Managers also work to improve service efficiency, address rider concerns, and implement new policies or technologies to enhance transportation services. Their role is crucial for ensuring that public transit runs smoothly and meets the needs of the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a transit manager?

To thrive as a Transit Manager, you need expertise in transportation operations, planning, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a bachelor's degree in transportation, public administration, or a related field. Familiarity with transit scheduling software, fleet management systems, and safety regulations is typically required. Exceptional leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with various stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient transit operations, rider safety, and effective service delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by transit managers, and how do teams typically address them?

Transit Managers often face challenges such as coordinating complex schedules, managing budget constraints, and ensuring service reliability amidst unexpected events like vehicle breakdowns or staff shortages. To address these, teams use real-time data systems for tracking and adjusting routes, collaborate closely with maintenance and operations staff, and implement contingency plans to maintain service levels. Regular communication and cross-departmental teamwork are key to quickly resolving issues and maintaining a high standard of public service.

What is the difference between Transit Manager vs Transit Supervisor?

AspectTransit Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire transit operations, manages staff, develops policies, and ensures safety compliance.
CredentialsBachelor's degree in transportation, logistics, or related field; often requires transit-specific certifications.
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with field oversight, managing multiple transit routes and teams.
Employer & Industry UsagePublic transit agencies, private transportation companies, government agencies.

While both roles focus on transit operations, the Transit Manager has broader responsibilities, strategic oversight, and higher-level decision-making compared to the Transit Supervisor, who typically manages daily operations and staff at a more localized level.

What are the most commonly searched types of Transit jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Transit jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Transit Manager jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Transit Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Transit Manager job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,507 per year, or $44.5 per hour.

Transit Communications Leader, Grade 18

Rockville, MD โ€ข On-site

Montgomery County (MD)
Executive Offices and Legislative Bodiesย โ€ขย 1 - 5K employees

$64K - $101K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

About the Position ###################################################### THIS IS AN INTERNAL "ONLY" JOB POSTING, AVAILABLE TO CURRENT Montgomery County GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES. #####################################################*# This Position is ONLY Open to Montgomery County Government Employees: Current Montgomery County Government employees; Montgomery County employees who were affected by a reduction-in-force and currently have RIF priority rights; Active Montgomery County local fire and rescue department volunteers with at least 50 points under the length of service award program (LOSAP); or Active Project SEARCH Interns or former Montgomery County Government Customized Employment Public Interns, or Project SEARCH Interns within 24 months of completion of internship. Please note: The salary range above represents this position's earning potential.

The anticipated hiring range for this position will be $64,104 to $100,832, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. WHO WE ARE The mission of the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is to move people and connect places with seamless, equitable transportation options that are safe, environmentally responsible, and support economic growth and vibrancy in Montgomery County. The Department has five divisions: Highway Services, Parking Management, Transit Services, Traffic Engineering and Operations, and Transportation Engineering.

We are a large organization with over 1,200 employees and a dedicated County budget of $300 million. The Division of Transit Services coordinates transit services in Montgomery County. Transit fulfills an essential mobility mission for the County, connecting people, communities, workplaces, educational institutions, recreational opportunities, and many other destinations.

The Division employs 850+ people and operates nearly 400 buses on 80+ fixed routes throughout Montgomery County. The Division plans, schedules, and manages the County's Ride On bus system, consisting of County-owned and operated buses. Ride On carries roughly 18 million riders annually.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR We are seeking a highly responsive, detail-oriented professional with experience in monitoring transit and traffic conditions, assessing issues, and devising practical, system-wide solutions to maintain safe, on-time bus service. The ideal candidate brings strong skills in interpreting operational information, coordinating with public and private agencies, and using computer-aided dispatch and reporting systems to enter, track, and reconcile transit data. This person excels at fostering effective working relationships with bus operators, coordinators, supervisors, and external partners, communicating clearly in fast-moving situations and exercising sound judgment when adapting plans or procedures.

The role requires someone who can work independently, prioritize tasks in real time, and gather the information needed to make timely operational decisions-ensuring service continuity, passenger safety, and adherence to established guidelines and procedures. What You'll Be Doing The Transit Communications Leader will support the County's transit operations by continuously monitoring service conditions, assessing factors that affect safety and timeliness, and implementing informed operational decisions in real time. They will maintain coordinated communication with Transit Bus Operators and Transit Coordinators; develop and issue instructions to address service-disrupting situations; collaborate with public and private agencies to restore or maintain service; and use specialized software systems to track, record, and report transit information.

This work ensures reliable public transportation service, enhances passenger safety, and upholds operational standards across the Ride On network. Tasks Include: Monitoring and assessing system-wide transit operations, including traffic, weather, and road conditions that influence safe and timely bus service Maintaining continuous two-way communication with Transit Bus Operators and Transit Coordinators, providing operational guidance, and issuing instructions as circumstances evolve Developing and implementing individualized and system-wide action plans-such as route detours, overtime assignments, or redeployment of buses-to resolve service-impacting issues Coordinating planned actions with representatives of public and private agencies to restore normal transit service and ensure passenger safety Entering, tracking, and reporting transit-related information using computer-aided dispatch systems and other operational software Responding to inquiries from Transit Bus Operators, road coordinators, other transportation systems, and occasionally members of the public. Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Experience: One (1) year of experience as a Transit Coordinator with Montgomery County or three (3) years of experience as a Transit Bus Operator. Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED or High School Proficiency Examination) Substitution: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted. License: Possession and maintenance at all times of a valid Class "B" (or equivalent) Commercial Drivers' License (CDL), with air brakes and passenger endorsements, from the employee's state of residence.

Work Environment: Work is performed in an operations center that is temperature-controlled, appropriately lighted, and ventilated. Physical Demands: A Transit Communications Leader multi-tasks at a command console for extended periods by monitoring a range of factors and conditions (including weather, traffic, construction, accidents, Ride On breakdowns and service disruptions in other transit systems), responding to multiple visual and audio inputs (from Bus Operators, 'road coordinators', operators of other systems, etc.), considering several variables (on deployment of buses and Bus Operators), and using various communications equipment to exchange information and direct the work of Bus Operators. A Transit Communications Leader must be able and comfortable using video displays, a keyboard, a radio and other communications-electronics equipment on a regularly recurring basis

Medical Protocol: This position requires successful completion of a pre-employment medical evaluation, which includes a limited physical examination and drug screening. Preferred Criteria, Interview Preferences The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevance of training, and experience in the following areas: Experience working with the different traffic/transit conditions throughout Montgomery County and the impact of the presenting issues/conditions upon Bus Operators, passengers, and equipment involved. Experience in quickly devising solutions that are based on judgment and reflect the best possible whole-system solutions.

Experience coordinating with other public and private agencies. Experience using various computer software programs to enter, track, and report a variety of transit information. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The Office of Human Resources (OHR) reviews the minimum qualifications of all applicants, irrespective of whether the candidate has previously been found to have met the minimum requirements for the job or been temporarily promoted to the same position.

This evaluation is based solely on the information contained in the application/resume submitted for this specific position. Montgomery County Government(MCG) is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workforce diversity. Accordingly, as it relates to employment opportunities, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities, in accordance with the law.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should email OHR at Hiring@montgomerycountymd.gov. Individual determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made in accordance with all applicable laws. MCG also provides hiring preference to certain categories of veterans and veterans/persons with a disability

For more information and to claim employment preference, refer to the Careers webpage on Hiring Preference. All applicants will respond to a series of questions related to their education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities required to minimally perform the job. The applicant's responses in conjunction with their resume and all other information provided in the employment application process will be evaluated to determine the minimum qualifications and preferred criteria or interview preference status.

Based on the results, the highest qualified applicants will be placed on an Eligible List and may be considered for an interview. Employees meeting minimum qualifications who are the same grade will be placed on the Eligible List as a "Lateral Transfer" candidate and may be considered for an interview. This will establish an Eligible List that may be used to fill both current and future vacancies.

If selected for consideration for this position, you may be required to provide evidence that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities indicated on your resume. Montgomery County Ethics Law: Except as provided by law or regulation, the County's "Public Employees" (which does not include employees of the Sheriff's office) are subject to the County's ethics law including the requirements to obtain advanced approval of any outside employment and the prohibitions on certain outside employment. The outside employment requirements of the ethics law can be found at 19A-12 of the County Code.

Additional information about outside employment can be obtained from the Ethics Commission website.