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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Light Rail Operator in California is $49,585 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a Light Rail Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Light Rail Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $55,350 | $4,612 | $1,064 | $27 |
| Average | $49,585 | $4,132 | $954 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,651 | $3,721 | $859 | $21 |
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A Light Rail Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Light Rail Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Light Rail Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Healthcare sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Light Rail Operator positions in Business Services or Insurance typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Light Rail Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $69,420 | $33.0 | 40% |
| Healthcare | $59,503 | $29.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Light Rail Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $55,350 | $4,612 | $1,064 | $27 |
| Average | $49,585 | $4,132 | $954 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,651 | $3,721 | $859 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Light Rail Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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