Subway and Streetcar Operators Salary in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
The median pay for a subway and streetcar operators in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA is $75,660/year ($36.38/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $60K at the entry level to $76K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.89), so that salary is closer to $67,620 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,001/month — about 60.7% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $76K get you in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
About subway and streetcar operators
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
Entry-level subway and streetcar operators (10th percentile) start around $60K. Mid-career wages sit at $76K.Top earners bring in $76K or more - a $16K 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do subway and streetcar operators make in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA?
The median is $75,660 a year - that works out to about $36.38 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $59,890, and experienced subway and streetcar operators can clear $75,660. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $76K enough to live in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $4,870/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,001/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 61.6% 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 San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad?
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad has a Regional Price Parity of 111.89 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median subway and streetcar operators salary is worth about $67,620 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.