Rail Transit Controller

Also called: Rail Control Center Operator, Train Controller

Monitors and directs every train in a subway or light rail system from a central control room.

A day in the life

You watch a huge screen showing where every train is. When a train breaks down, you hold others, reroute service, and coordinate with police and maintenance. Calm under pressure is everything.

Pay over a career

Starting
$60k
Typical
$85k
High
$115k

Estimated.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 5 years after high school. Usually promoted from train operator or supervisor after years of experience.

Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Outlook

Growing about average. Steady.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk for 10 years. Automated train control handles routine moves; controllers manage incidents and emergencies, with fewer per system.

Start now, in high school

Classes: Algebra II, Geography.

Official data: O*NET occupation 43-5032.

More Public Transit careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.