Occupation AtlasSubway and Streetcar Operators
O*NET · 53-4041.00
Subway and Streetcar Operators
Operate subway or elevated suburban trains with no separate locomotive, or electric-powered streetcar, to transport passengers. May handle fares.
Also called Combined Rail Operator · Electric Motorman · Elevated Motorman · Light Rail Operator · Light Rail Train Operator · Light Rail Transit Operator · Light Rail Vehicle Operator (LRV Operator) · LRV Operator
27 more
Monorail Operator · Motor Coach Operator · Motor Operator · Operator Trainer · Rail Operator · Rail Transit Operator · Rapid Transit Operator (RTO) · Ride Operator · RTO · Service Vehicle Operator · Shuttle Route Vehicle Operator · Streetcar Motorman · Streetcar Operator · Subway Conductor · Subway Train Driver · Subway Train Operator · Track Car Operator · Trackmobile Operator · Train Operator · Tram Driver · Tram Operator · Trammer · Transfer Car Operator · Transit Operator · Trolley Car Operator · Trolley Operator · Vehicle Operator
Compare with another occupationCompare with Locomotive Engineers
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
RCSRealistic · Conventional · Social — the three strongest interests, in order
- R Realistic5.91
- C Conventional4.26
- S Social2.80
- E Enterprising2.28
- I Investigative1.37
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- None (51%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (43%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (60%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Operation and ControlImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
- Operations MonitoringImportance 3.9Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
- SpeakingbasicImportance 3.4Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
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- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- CoordinationImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
- WritingbasicImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
- PersuasionImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- NegotiationImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
- TroubleshootingImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
- InstructingImportance 2.4Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- MathematicsbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
- RepairingImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Equipment SelectionImportance 2.0Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.0Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.8Level 0.9
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- ProgrammingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- Technology DesignImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
10 coreWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Monitor lights indicating obstructions or other trains ahead and watch for car and truck traffic at crossings to stay alert to potential hazards.Importance 4.9
- Operate controls to open and close transit vehicle doors.Importance 4.8
- Drive and control rail-guided public transportation, such as subways, elevated trains, and electric-powered streetcars, trams, or trolleys, to transport passengers.Importance 4.8
- Regulate vehicle speed and the time spent at each stop to maintain schedules.Importance 4.7
- Report delays, mechanical problems, and emergencies to supervisors or dispatchers, using radios.Importance 4.7
- Direct emergency evacuation procedures.Importance 4.5
- Make announcements to passengers, such as notifications of upcoming stops or schedule delays.Importance 4.5
- Complete reports, including shift summaries and incident or accident reports.Importance 4.3
- Greet passengers, provide information, and answer questions concerning fares, schedules, transfers, and routings.Importance 4.2
- Attend meetings on driver and passenger safety to learn ways in which job performance might be affected.Importance 4.2
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- TransportationImportance 4.4Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.9Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- English LanguageImportance 3.2Level 2.8
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.8Level 2.7
- MechanicalImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Administration and ManagementImportance 2.5Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
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- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
- PsychologyImportance 2.2Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- MathematicsImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
- AdministrativeImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.8Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- GeographyImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- PhysicsImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Production and ProcessingImportance 1.6Level —
- ChemistryImportance 1.5Level —
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.4Level —
- DesignImportance 1.4Level —
- Economics and AccountingImportance 1.4Level —
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.3Level —
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.3Level —
- BiologyImportance 1.2Level —
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.2Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.2Level —
- Sales and MarketingImportance 1.2Level —
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.1Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.0Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Control PrecisionImportance 4.1Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 3.9Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
- Reaction TimeImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
- Auditory AttentionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
- Far VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
- Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Rate ControlImportance 3.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
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- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 3.6Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
- Oral ExpressionImportance 3.6Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Response OrientationImportance 3.6Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
- Selective AttentionImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
- Depth PerceptionImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Manual DexterityImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 3.4Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Time SharingImportance 3.3Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Finger DexterityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
- Spatial OrientationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
- VisualizationImportance 2.9Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Glare SensitivityImportance 2.8Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
- Night VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
- Peripheral VisionImportance 2.8Level 2.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
- Sound LocalizationImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Find a ringing phone in an unfamiliar apartment
- Written ExpressionImportance 2.8Level 2.8
- Number FacilityImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.6Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 2.6Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.4Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
- Static StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Trunk StrengthImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 2.3Level 1.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
- MemorizationImportance 2.1Level 2.6
- Explosive StrengthImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
- OriginalityImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- StaminaImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 4.6Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.5Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
- Getting InformationImportance 4.4Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 4.4Level 5.6
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 4.2Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
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- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.8Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.3Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Processing InformationImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 3.2Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 3.1Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.0Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.0Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 2.7Level 2.7
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.6Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Make appointments for patients using a predetermined schedule
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Plan the holiday schedule for an airline workforce
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.2Level 1.6Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Working with ComputersImportance 2.2Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.1Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Change the spacing on a printed report
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 1.9Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.9Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 1.8Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 1.5Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
1 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
Hot (1)
- Microsoft Office software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Locomotive Engineers
Average difference 0.2 points · Service Orientation −0.7, Persuasion −0.7
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Monitoring −1.0, Operation and Control −0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.0, Operations Monitoring −1.0
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers
Average difference 0.3 points · Service Orientation −1.0, Repairing +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Furniture Finishers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.1, Operations Monitoring −0.9
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Segmental Pavers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Monitoring −0.9, Management of Personnel Resources +0.8
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs
Average difference 0.3 points · Operations Monitoring −0.8, Complex Problem Solving −0.6
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
Upholsterers
Average difference 0.3 points · Operation and Control −1.1, Operations Monitoring −1.0
O*NET · Zone 2 · Compare
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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.