CTA

Ramping Up Hiring to Keep Chicago on Track: CTA to Host In-Person Career Fair this Friday Seeking Candidates for Bus and Rail Positions

April 25, 2023

Nation’s second largest transit agency offering increased hourly wages, $1,000 hiring bonuses and excellent benefits -Commercial Driver’s License not required to apply.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) will host an in-person career fair this Friday, April 28, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a. m. at CTA headquarters, 567 W. Lake St., in Chicago, for anyone interested in becoming a full-time Bus Operator, Bus Mechanic, or Rail Flagger. CTA offers competitive pay, plus hiring and retention bonuses. These full-time positions can lead to a long-term, rewarding career in transportation.

The Rail Flagger position is required for anyone looking to become the operator of one of Chicago’s iconic ‘L’ trains. The starting hourly rate for this job is $21.36.

“Now is a fantastic time to join us at the CTA, and move our city forward,” CTA President Dorval R. Carter, Jr., said. “With CTA's new financial incentives for new hires, our positions are highly competitive and even more attractive to prospective employees.”  

CTA is also seeking candidates for Bus Operator and Bus Mechanic positions, which offer newly increased competitive pay rates – starting hourly wages for Bus Operators is $28.99 and Bus Mechanic is $40.59. CTA is also offering a hiring bonus of $1,000. These added incentives are in addition to excellent health benefits, pension, and opportunities for advancement. 

Among the key requirements for those interested in the Rail Flagger position, applicants must be 21 years of age, possess a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record, and must be able to climb ladders and maintain balance, walk on elevated structure at heights up to 60 feet, carry up to 40 pounds of equipment over distances of up to 100 feet and more. After a year in this position, qualified candidates may take the necessary steps to qualify to become a Rail Operator. 

Applicants who are seeking full-time employment, and possess excellent customer service skills are encouraged to attend:

Friday, April 28

8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

CTA Headquarters

567 West Lake Street, Chicago IL 60661

Presentations: 8:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 11:30 am

                               Registration: https://tinyurl.com/2p8d5p3k

During this career fair, CTA is offering application workshops, on-site testing, interviews, and an opportunity to start the pre-employment process for those who qualify.

This latest career fair is part of CTA’s ongoing and expanded recruiting, hiring and retention efforts to address an industry-wide shortage of transit workers.  New operators, mechanics and rail flaggers are critical to helping the agency address current service challenges cause by staff shortages.

For a complete list of all available positions including trade, management, and administrative positions, please visit and apply online at: www.transitchicago.com/careers.

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