Career comparison
Locomotive Engineer vs. Subway Operator
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Subway operators earn more at the median ($86,380 vs. $81,410), while subway operators usually get to work faster (Transit academy plus on-the-job training of training). Locomotive engineers operate freight and passenger trains safely across the rail network. Subway operators drive subway, light rail and streetcar trains through cities.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Locomotive Engineer | Subway Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $81,410 ($39.14/hr) | $86,380 ($41.53/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $60,680 – $109,220 | $55,180 – $90,140 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +0.5% (little or no change) | +3.7% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 2,000 | 900 |
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 1–2 years including conductor time | Transit academy plus on-the-job training |
| Key credential | FRA locomotive engineer certification | Transit operator certification |
| Work setting | Engineers work in locomotive cabs in all weather, day and night. | Operators work in train cabs on city rail systems.. |
What each job does
Locomotive Engineer
- Inspect locomotives and equipment before departure
- Perform and verify air brake tests
- Operate throttle, dynamic and air brakes
- Follow signals, speed limits and track authorities
- Communicate with dispatchers and the conductor
Subway Operator
- Operate trains
- Follow signals
- Keep schedules
- Open and close doors
- Make announcements
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high responsibility, steady routines, shift work, and high-pay. Both are part of the transportation & logistics field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose locomotive engineer if…
- I can concentrate for many hours
- I’m comfortable with irregular schedules
- I like operating big machines
Choose subway operator if…
- I like trains
- I stay focused
- I stay calm
Still torn? Take the Locomotive Engineer fit quiz and the Subway Operator fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, locomotive engineer or subway operator?
Subway Operators earn more at the median: $86,380 versus $81,410 for locomotive engineers, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Subway Operators typically train faster (Transit academy plus on-the-job training) than locomotive engineers (1–2 years including conductor time).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects subway operators to grow +3.7% from 2025–35, compared with +0.5% for locomotive engineers.