Subway and Streetcar Operators Salary in California
The median pay for a subway and streetcar operators in California is $76,770/year ($36.91/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $89K for experienced workers.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $77K get you in California?
About subway and streetcar operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, California
Entry-level subway and streetcar operators (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $77K.Top earners bring in $89K or more - a $29K spread from bottom to top.
Subway and Streetcar Operators pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $87K | +2% | 170 |
| Massachusetts | $85K | -0% | 820 |
| Maryland | $83K | -3% | 520 |
| California | $77K | -10% | 760 |
| New Jersey | $69K | -19% | 160 |
| Minnesota | $68K | -20% | 130 |
| Georgia | $59K | -31% | 260 |
| Texas | $57K | -33% | 230 |
| Utah | $57K | -33% | 900 |
Track subway and streetcar operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when California numbers change.
Related careers in Transportation
Frequently asked questions
How much do subway and streetcar operators make in California?
The median is $76,770 a year - that works out to about $36.91 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,890, and experienced subway and streetcar operators can clear $89,180. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $77K enough to live in California?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,926/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom in this state rents for about $2,201/month (median of metro areas), which eats 44.7% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a subway and streetcar operators salary go in California?
California has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median subway and streetcar operators salary is worth about $76,770 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do subway and streetcar operators get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.