Subway and Streetcar Operators Salary in California (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Subway and Streetcar Operators in California, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
California Median
$78,680
per year
Hourly Rate
$37.83
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-9% vs US median
US median $86,380
State Rank
#2 of 13
900 employed here

How much do Subway and Streetcar Operators make in California?

Subway and Streetcar Operators working in California earn a median salary of $78,680 per year, or about $37.83 per hour. That is 9% below the national median of $86,380 for this occupation.

Within California, entry-level pay starts around $57,680 while the top 10% make $90,810 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $66,820 and $78,680 a year.

Subway and Streetcar Operators salary range in California

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$57,680$27.73
25th percentile (early career)$66,820$32.13
50th percentile (median)$78,680$37.83
75th percentile (experienced)$78,680$37.83
90th percentile (top earners)$90,810$43.66

How California compares

California ranks 2nd out of 13 states and territories for Subway and Streetcar Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Maryland$92,420
2California$78,680
3Washington$77,020
4Florida$72,860
5New Jersey$68,970

Working as Subway and Streetcar Operators in California

Nationally, about 10,000 people work as Subway and Streetcar Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare California pay ($78,680) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much do Subway and Streetcar Operators make in California?
The median Subway and Streetcar Operators salary in California is $78,680 per year, or about $37.83 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $57,680 at the entry level to $90,810 for the top 10% of earners.
How does California pay compare to the national average?
California pays Subway and Streetcar Operators about 9% less than the national median of $86,380. California ranks 2nd out of 13 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is California a good state for Subway and Streetcar Operators?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $78,680 a year. About 900 Subway and Streetcar Operators are employed in California. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in California?
The highest-paying occupations in California include Ophthalmologist, Except Pediatric ($400,150), Neurologist ($357,080), Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers ($353,900), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Subway and Streetcar Operators salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.