I Make $86K A Year As A Subway Conductor In NYC | On The Job
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- Опубліковано 5 лют 2025
- Natasha Dinnall, 51, works as a subway conductor in NYC and earns about $86,000 per year. Natasha joined the MTA in 1992 and took her first job with the agency as a property protection agent and later became a station agent, conductor, train operator, and finally a conductor again.
Produced by: Mickey Todiwala
Managing Producer: Beatriz Bajuelos
Animation: Elham Ataeiazar
Associate Producer: Valentina Duarte
Additional Camera: Anthony Cortez
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I Make $86K A Year As A Subway Conductor In NYC | On The Job
I see Natasha all the time! She's always so polite and helpful, love to see the MTA workers get some recognition
Natasha rocks!👏👏
She's been exceptional for years
A nice face to see
That's my cousin! I texted her and she said thank you :)
Cap
One Lying Mf
As a recently retired NYC transit worker I’m proud to see the transit system being represented in a positive light, you are allowing the world to see transit and it’s employees as humans providing a service and it’s not always easy.
How long before your pension runs out. The MTA runs huge deficits every year. This ponzi scheme will run out within the next 5 year's.
86k ?? that's a lot of money! there are lawyers that don't even make that.
@@Essays4College 86k in a area that if you don't make 300k a year, you can't buy a house.
@@Essays4College Not in NYC. These workers can't afford to live anywhere really in the communities they serve. Especially since this is her 30th year on the job.
@@tira2145 Sure you can buy a house. Might not be in Times Square but you can buy something. Maybe a nice condo.
As a new Yorker, I need the transit system and am incredibly grateful to be in a place with such low car reliance. I've been to several cities in this country and what always gets me mad is having to drive five miles just to get a sandwich. So thank you Natasha for staying in your job and liking what you do.
I live in texas and if I want to do anything, it’s a minimum 15 minute drive from my house.
@@WhatIsThis-zq4hk Everything is bigger in Texas!
In terms of transit systems, New York is good, Tokyo is better.
@@antonyzhou6602
Well then there you have it. I'm moving to Tokyo!!! 😶
@@morriseleemaybe the urban sprawl and it’s increasing crime, but surely the public transportation isn’t, women’s rights, the power grid.. should I continue ?
Natasha doesn't look 51 at all! She looks so young and energetic.
Agree
Yep! I was looking for this comment!
@@danni972 right? I even went back to make sure I got it correct
Right!
Right !!
As a former train operator, those 3 round trips on the Q train are no joke. You are literally in and out of each terminal all day. Most "runs" on the Q train (and most lines) have 2 round trips. Shoutout to Natasha, I would always see her in the crew room and she was always pleasant.
Word. My cousin does this in the 4 train and he does two round-trips.
And, depending on the break time, my friend's father works that line and getting a meal at 96 St or Coney Island is almost less than the expected on paper.
Whats the duration of a whole one way trip?
@@pascoesvale about an hour and 9 minutes, so a round trip would be 2 hours and 18 minutes, 3 round trips would be 6 hours and 54 minutes
@@dogxcs1485 3 round trips is really hard then even with lunch breaks. Thats hard.
Natasha has the perfect personality for this very important work. It really is about serving the public. Best wishes to her!
This is a great video. It’s great that the public sees that Conductors and all Transit personnel does their best to help serve the public and get the trains moving so that people can live the lives they need to live. Major props & respect to this conductor and all the employees at MTA NYC Transit.
This video was filmed and edited to perfection. This native New Yorker LOVES IT!
Can you show me around
Since the age of 4 it's been a goal to either operate or be a conductor. Right now I am a station agent and been doing that 5 years. Recently took the conductor test and leaving it in God's hands and if He wills it there will be tears of joy because it will be a goal achieved and a promise made to my late grandparents when I told them then that this is what I am going to do when I get older. This was a beautiful video and it's so true. We move the city and being in such a melting pot of different cultures is amazing to see daily.
Praying that you get it! 🙏🏾
If it's like CTA you'll get there here in Chicago you can become a flagger then operator with in 2 years
Same you will be a conductor soon keep up the good work as a station agent.
They were hiring a lot from 2021-2022. Pray you get it because you seem very passionate about the job.
@@Ms_T_Perfectly_Imperfect Praying for that as well.
I loved how she does her job, I take my hats off for her. She is the kind of person who makes this life better and reminds me that a train is not just a metal thing moving around but a ship that take us to the destination that is waiting for us to experience. Thanks for be there and give us a hand to runs ours daily errands.
I rode the Q train when I was living in NYC and there was a train conductor who worked the evening rush hour shift who had the most amazing voice when announcing stops. Had a classic 1930s or 40s radio voice. You can tell its something he took pride in and practiced at.
Next stop is KIIIIIIINGS HIGHWAY
I know who you’re talking about
My brother said he had been thanked by some of his passengers because he was one of those conductors that you could actually hear everything he was saying when addressing them through the speaker.
0:54 The subway doesn't have 24 lines! It has a total of 36 lines currently! The letters and numbers are SERVICES that run on those lines (though it's understandable to mix the two), and there are 28, counting the diamond services and all three shuttle services. And the T service doesn't exist yet as that is part of Phase 3 of the big Second Avenue Subway project (though the T USED to be a service from 1916 to 1968 on the BMT West End Line; now used by the D)
I’m sure the job can get exhausting. Lots of communication and always paying attention. Much respect to her. Love Natasha's attitude! Thank you Natasha, for being you! As a big transit buff who takes the NYC Subway whenever I'm in the city, I greatly appreciate those who work on the subway whether it's being a conductor, operator, or technicians. The NYC Subway is unique in that it's one of the world's few systems that runs 24/7, 365 days a year! NYC is a machine, and the subway is what keeps that machine running! Sure it's not perfect but whether you love it or hate it, it's better to have such a big system as this one than no subway/metro system whatsoever! Trains have lasted this long in the city for a reason!
The subway system in London is so much easier to understand and navigate.
Fellow transit worker here, albeit from across the pond in London. It's good to see the public transport system giving opportunities and a good life to people beyond just where I'm from. Like Natasha I love my job, and I'm really grateful to work for Transport for London. We have a fair salary for the work we do, excellent work benefits and easily attainable opportunities for progression. One of the the few workplaces in London where you can join without a degree and easily through promotions get to salaries of around £60k ($71k). Like the MTA workers the general public perception of us transport workers, is we're loaded, we strike a lot and don't do much. But the reality is we keep our city moving, have to do extreme shifts, don't always get time off during public holidays and weekends, have to deal with the public. The public is for the most part fine, but we do see the very worst society has to offer at times, and work place violence/aggression can be around the corner at any given moment.
I like Natasha’s vibe. She is definitely an inspiration. My uncle retired from the mta has a brilliant pension.
You deserve every penny and benefit you get. You earned it giving up holidays and weekends for years. And the working conditions, although improved, are sometimes very challenging (especially during emergencies in the subway system).
I retired in 2017 after almost 38 years with NYC Transit (2 as a Conductor, 4 as a Supervisor and almost 32 as a Manager). That was after being a high school social studies teacher for 3 years. I know the job can be challenging and daunting at times. But it’s worth the effort.
This job is obsolete. She can be easily replaced with automation. The occupation only exists to provide employment for unskilled workers.
@@autumnfragrance6326 Go tell her that in person big boy.
@@autumnfragrance6326 Even with automation these jobs will still need oversight because regardless of how good AI is it still isn't capable of dealing with the nuance of humans on the day to day.
@@es-zw3mg Bingo! Educating people here is like trying to sell roses at a Fish market.
The London Underground and many mainline trains are driver only.
The Glasgow underground is driver only.
Working for the MTA is a great Career. I retired after 35 years and have a comfortable retirement. More People, especially young People, should consider it.
If working for MTA is anything like the transit company in my city, then it's easier to be admitted into Columbia than getting a job with MTA 😂
Ty for serving NYC
@Steve it's just as hard to get into the MTA. I have friends who took the exam and didn't hear anything for YEARS. And if you don't score in the highest percentile forget it.
The MTA is one of the last places you can get a pension. Everybody is trying to get in there.
People who work for MTA don't make enough to live comfortably in the city. Many of them have to commute from outside states
I love this video! Natasha was a fun person to hear talk about her job. Looks like she found a job that was a good fit for her personality. Good for her!
As a Brit I love the NYC subway network! It is the best in the world by far! Thank you Natasha for your hard work and making every journey a safe one ☺️
What makes it the best in the world?
I am an MTA employee myself I am a Cleaner for MTA New York City Transit been on the job for 6 years just made 6 years this January love my job I am in the Car Equipment department I clean the trains on the last stop on the 2 line at Wakefield 241 Street in The Bronx this was a nice video to see I don't know her but happy that one of my sister's in the agency Natasha loves her job as a Conductor for MTA New York City Transit
Do you work full 8 or more like 5 lol...I use to be a cleaner diff state though ...I loved it too esp all the goodies people leave behind myself included stuff I left on subway included many chargers and cubes, orange chicken only 1 bite, Mitchell and Ness snapback new, some gortex gloves that's last 3 months lol
I frequently take the 2 train all the way from and to Wakefield 241st. As soon as I saw your profile picture, it reminded me of the cleaning crews who usually start working on the train after we reach 241st. So, it's funny how you actually work there.
Anyways, thanks for your help at keeping the subway trains clean. Are those poles ever cleaned though?
@@stopit9280 Since u seen my profile picture come and say what's up or Hi to me I work in the PM 2pm -10pm we used to clean the poles during the Pandemic but not anymore
@@sirmoney2762 I work the full 8 hours if that's answers your question
Thank you for your work! I know it's not easy.
I work for SEPTA (Philly's transit company) and I feel the same way. I know some mechanics that make 6 figures with overtime 5 days per week. You get great insurance and a pension. It's really a great opportunity. especially for people who don't have a degree.
For someone with no children, it's a great thing.
She's a real New Yorker! God bless this woman.
Giving god orders are you?
Man, I would love it if Natasha would work on the 6 Train. I take the 6 train daily and to be honest, there are barely any polite conductors because of what they deal with the public sadly, especially after Covid. God bless Natasha. She is definitely a gem in the work line she does 🙏
Aww I love this. She literally keeps the city moving. I hope she’s content with her salary. That’s a lot to some and not enough to others.
What’s your IG?
….and how much is 86k annually to you my dear?
@@enigmathegrayman2953 you first
@@LEKIPE1 creep
@@-Bloomingtales not enough I assume ?
Who says New Yorkers are rude? Oh Natasha you are an idol! You are the symbol of hard work and kindness
less rude than bostoners lmao
Ooooooohh NOOOO MY FRIEND NATASHA can be RUUUUDE. You just have to READ BETWEEN THE LINES. LOOK at her face when she talks about her pet peeve passengers😂
I used to LOOOOVE HOW RUDE the conductors would get when people would hold the doors
They'd scream "PLEASE STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS!!!!"
I'd see the BAD TEENAGERS holding the doors and I'd giggle. They'd giggle back.
It's SOOOO awesome to hear the perspective of the conductor.
NATASHA is EVERYTHING that I LOVED when I was a little kid going to see my dad in CONEY ISLAND BROOKLYN
Back then it was the N, the B, the F and the D that went to Stillwell Ave Coney Island. Q line going to Stillwell Ave must have happened in the last 20 years.
Hang in there Natasha. Just a few more years to go❤️
@@msperkins8310 Hahaha I got you lol
@@Banom7a You remind me of my Boston uber drivers! lol
Bostonians are WAY more rude than NYC
I recognize her OMG - I get on at Atlantic Avenue for my commute! Thank you for all you do, Natasha! And your accent is the best 😍
I'm a flight attendant and I love Natasha's story because her job reminds me of my job and why i love it. we get people where they need to be. and safely.
but girls hated her story though
$86k a year in NYC is like $40k a year in my home state.
Where do you live???
Shout out to all my TWU Local 100 Brothers and Sisters ! I did a little over 30 years there myself , retired right before Covid .
It was refreshing to see someone in my age range who isn’t a millionaire influencer who makes money by teaching X,Y &Z. She has a beautiful personality and you can tell she loves her job. More videos like this please 😊
I hear you, but is there an issue if you do you see a millennial or the younger generations who are millionaires ?!!!!!! don’t you want better for the people coming after you?? Especially if they don’t have to go through seven or eight years of college and they don’t have to break their backs in order to obtain wealth?!
Times are changing, you are a doctor, the generation above you could only dream of being a doctor. You are the dream of your ancestors.
Maybe I’m wrong, please correct me if I am, but it sounds like you are hating on the younger generations for how they make their money because your generation don’t typically consider influencing etc “a real job” which is very unfortunate, because as I said times are changing and a lot of the jobs we currently see today are going to be replaced by machines/ technological systems in the future so people are forced to look for other methods to make money, and if those people can make a profit, why not ??!?
I think you need to change your mindset lol
many "internet influencers" tend to be under 30 - in the kiddy lane. i dont understand why u even brought them up, in relation to what this lady does.
We need more videos about these lesser well known job / industries / careers ! They are super interesting !
Agree!
Natasha is an important part of NYC's heartbeat! Thanks so much for your service!
I know her… I can attest she is beautiful inside and out, friendly, and does an outstanding job! Keep up the good work “Asha”!
0:42 The fact she said good morning before mentioning which line is the Q going shows she truly cares about the job.
As a retired Train Operator
My favorite six words are
Thank God For The Transit Authority
Yo “GAS” that’s 6 words! 😅
A good man who trained me well when I used to work there in the 90’s.
Question, what do you guys do when you need the toilet?
@@Mypasswordisyours that’s for a private conversation.
Empty Snapple bottle 😂
I am just happy for this Sister!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
This is such an inspiring story about one conductor working in a city and system so big, to highlight her, is so cool for CNBC to do! You don't hear to often of positive story's coming out of NYC these day's ,or the MTA, but if you do some research, you will find story's such as these! Congrats to Natasha on your 30+ year's, and to all of those who are working the NYC MTA System! You defiantly deserve all the Recognition!
Went through the interview process. Just waiting for the call now. Thank you for this video. Truly not made for anyone but it’s an honest living.
Conductor or operator
@@kevinle6433 Conductor position
@@stephensnetwork Stephen,as soon as possible get promoted to Train Operator,that is what I did and I loved it so much that I stayed in that position for 27 years working BOTH Divisions. Good Luck to You!!!
Honestly they deserve more pay transit workers are literally the real ppl running New York, bless them
Love this video! Visited NYC for the first time this summer and loved how easy and efficient it is to get around the city using the subway versus having to drive everywhere like in SoCal where we’re from. Just 2.75 per ride and not have to pay for gas and not sit in traffic?? Hubby and I were like wow this is amazing 😂
My girl was a conductor for 6 years and she only hated it cuz of the bathroom situation and now she’s in the booth doing absolutely nothing
What was the bathroom situation
What a breath of fresh air Natasha is. Much respect for her.
I retired after 31.5 years from the MTA. I have not wanted a dime. My pension is more than enough for me. 3 more years until I collect social security. That’ll be another check 😉
I hope tier 6 gets fixed with the new contract
Are you still living in NYC, or did you decide to retire in Florida?
@@lenaprice6239 I’m still here in New York. Retired 5 years ago. I wouldn’t live any other place✌🏾
@@ultimatetruthteller4169 How much is your pension each month
YAY congrats
Thank you very much to the transit workers who keep NYC moving
She does not look 50!!! She seems so sharp and looks amazing!!!
"Seems so sharp" at 50?!?!
50 isn’t being an elderly lol
I didn’t get what she meant about MTA vs ATM?? Not from the US…
@@anoukc6928 It means not a lot of money because she has her own bills and people (probably family) knows how much she makes and is asking her for money. And probably friends and strangers as well
Is this Don Lemon???
30 years with Overtime and Benefits. I'd say she's doing pretty well 😉 🤩⭐️
The MTA pushed to run this piece because it’s a contract year for TWU Local 100 members. Ask where she lives, or how much her rent is, or how much overtime she does (hourly is $34.75 at TOP PAY), or in which conditions she has to eat lunch or use the bathroom. Smoke and mirrors. Don’t be fooled.
I remember working on the 1 line years ago. And a homeless guy I would see from time to time said to me. "You know transit gets you guys at wholesale?" And I answered him with a yes I know. I am grateful for the job. But I see right through the B.S.
Yeah she's making a little over 100k with all the overtime.
if its mta metro north those trains are bigger and more heavy duty the conductors get payed 45 a hour and the the train engineer aka operator gets payed 50 a hour. The mta has different divisions . the conductors for those number 2 and q trains get payed 35 a hour and the operator gets payed 40.
thye have small dirty bathrooms and tiny break rooms so small almost no room.
@@R_A_3000Nothing's wrong with that. If she's got a significant other that is pulling nearly that or more, they are going to be just fine.
Really enjoyed your video, I appreciate it, retired from transit 20 years ago as a supervisor, I still miss it. Best of luck to you
She's an angel 😇. God bless her soul.
30 years! Her pension must be gold.
I worked for MTA from 2009-2016 as a bus operator at lga depot and college point.I then move to Florida where I been working for lynx Orlando transportation. MTA Help me buy my first brand new home and now lynx helps me maintain my lifestyle ❤
Mad respect to Natasha for her service to the community being a conductor...
Super grateful for these workers they’re part of what makes the city run, literally take time to thank them if you see them cause they truly make the city run!!! Couldn’t live without them
natasha said she has been a conductor since 1997, that's 26 years!! she should be making way more than $86000/yr for that kind of determination and loyalty to a job.
I feel her pain when she said she didn't like people holding the doors. When I visited NYC, someone held the doors that they had to close them 5 times... feels like Groundhog Day!
She deserved $100000 a yr just for dealing with those idiots
@@slapshot68 This wouldn't happen in London. It's a train every 90 seconds so people just wait for the next one.
@@ds1868 people in NYC can't wait 5-10 mins for the next one
@@tomservo5007 LOL exactly!! Five minutes feels like forever especially when the platform slowly fills with more people...
What a great piece! Natasha is amazing at her job! Thanks for sharing this video! 👊❤️👊
Thank you for showing real people vs the normal display of influencers and one off people making $18M a year after starting a youtube channel
I don’t have a desire to do this job but this was such a positive video! Her gratuity for her job and life is so refreshing!
I wish they would have shown more about her financial no breakdown instead of just talking about trains.
Facts, so the people in this chat who thinks living off of 86k annually can know that it isn’t a lot of money. Lol
@@Devinn504 I live in the tri-state 86k in NYC is nothing special most people are broke in NYC for a reason.
@@alp.9672 Facts lol
i've seen her a lot on the Q recently. she's really a great conductor
You'd definitely recognize her voice on the Q.
This has to be my favorite video from this channel. My mom recently retired from the NYCTA/MTA after 36 years(!). I'm sure she would appreciate seeing this woman's day in the life. Also kudos to CNBC for making this video almost cinematic in its production. Well done!!!
My favorite is when you're running towards the train doors and the train conductor is trying to close the doors on you before getting in. And if you miss it, the conductor looks at you, shake their heads and tell you "you gotta be faster"; and if when you barely make it and get in mid-air after jumping in, you might've well had gotten tackled by an NFL linebacker because the doors put a mean shoulder on you 😂. Gotta love it. I think the MTA should release a compiled video list of all the greatest hits.
This job wouldn't be so bad, if some of the people that ride the Subway weren't so Wack!
OMG say it again!!!
N I’m fully protected n the criminals go to jail
I have yet to see a criminal go to jail 😩 it sounds good though
Pretty much if you know you know
They picked a cute charismatic person to do this video. I would not say that is the typical conductor
I’m a Mta Track Worker i would love to world to see all we do to keep service running 24/7 in the city that never sleeps
I love her personality and attitude of gratitude. Continue success and tfs!
Beautifully shot! Got to experience NY. This person has an amazing career.
She's actually in the top 18% of US individual earners as she likely crosses $100k with overtime. Plus she has good job security and doesn't have to stare at a computer screen all day. Not a bad gig and she's in a much better position compared to most of the US population even though she describes her pay like she is just barely surviving. Even in NYC, you can live pretty nicely on $100k with your spouse as long as they make a similar amount.
Best of all, she has an amazing attitude towards life! :)
What if your singlr
I live in California and make 86k. You are barely surviving. I live pay check to pay check. I’m single. Rent is almost 3k. It’s ridiculously expensive in these in NYC and California.
@@sharethesilence Interesting when you compare cities and countries. With 86k I would be the only adult having to work to take care of 2 kids and 2 adults. House, 2 cars, eating well, hobbies->Sweden.
@@sharethesilence I was born and raised in NYC. You don't need to pay $3k for an apartment here. You can easily get a nice 1 BR in Queens or Brooklyn in a non trendy neighborhood for $2300. For a couple making $150k-$200k, they can easily afford that, live well and save.
All work is noble. We all play a part. Love my fellow working class NYers.
It's wonderful to see and hear positivity about the New York subway system. So many times we hear about the subway when something bad or negative occurs. Good video.
$86k after 30 years in NYC, long hours, no thank you. Great to see your passionate
This lady is doing god’s work ❤️
I enjoy learning about other people's careers and jobs. Watching from Charlotte, NC, I find that people in NYC are just different. Great job!
That Q line is no joke. Doing 3 round trips back to back to back is a whole day and I feel it when I get home.
Yaaaasss…I know you Tasha!!
Great mom and I know she’s a great MTA worker. Keep up the good work
It's one of my dreams to be a transit worker this is amazing
IT WAS SO GOOD TO WATCH THIS! she looks like a hardworker woman, I really would like to take the NY Subway, some day! Good Video
Nice fade away shot at the end!
I take the Q almost every day, it's so nice to hear more from one of the people who makes it possible. I'm sure I've heard her voice many times without knowing. Thank you Natasha!
Seems like a great job and career. The subway runs every day rain or shine, props to all of them.
A salute to her her hard work and dedication and risking her life for her dreams in this harsh environment may God bless her and all of our conductors
Thank you for your service....truly essential. 🙏🏾👍🏾
Natasha is a g. Absolutely love her. One of the best parts of my morning
Thank you, Natasha! For showing your history and being thankful for everything that you conquered during those 30 years! 💛
Love these stories of regular people
She has a great attitude as a train conductor.
I want to know what days she has off and her vacation time. How she have a work life balance? She didn't speak about her schedule much. I'm very glad that they are showing the hard working train conducters at MTA. That was really nice to watch.
I love it...One of the best jobs in NYC. Keep up the good work Natasha. You are officially a celebrity Say hello to John Beto for me. Tell him Keith said what's up.
Glad i got out of NYC during COVID. i don't miss this hustle at all.
I love people acknowledging how important our transit drivers are! they move our communities and give people access to opportunities!
So well said 👏🏼
She’s not the driver
Nothing but RESPECT!!
She is ridiculously underpaid. New York needs to pay their critical workers more!
She is awesome!!!!!!!!!! More people like her please!!!
Our Pyongyang Metro is visually more stunning with chandeliers and patriotic, inspirational mosaics. The Pyongyang Metro began operating in September 1973, about a year before Seoul opened Line 1. It consists of two lines, the Chollima Line (named after a winged horse in Korean mythology that can travel one thousand li/over 310 miles in a single day) and the Hyoksin Line (which means "renewal"), and sixteen stations with eight on each line (used to be seventeen but Kwangmyong closed in 1995). The metro is famous for using old Berlin U-Bahn Class D cars, given to us by Germany in 1997, but cars made in-house have also been used since 2015. The system has a depth of approximately 110 meters and because of how deep it is, in times of war, the system's stations can double as bomb shelters.
Every morning I hear this wonderful woman’s voice. She is Amazing
Natasha seems like an awesome person to be around. Thank you for all you do, Natasha, and to all transit workers!
True 😊
i hope i see her when i visit NYC in two weeks!! So i can give her my high appreciation!!
Wow what a staggering annual pay - I work as a full time educator in the UK and easily earn half her salary.
They pay for health care, collage and they work more (they have less vaccination days).
One big problem is lack of bathrooms almost soiled myself riding the subway
DIVA!!! Great video. We were just kids when we started. Congratulations!
My Dad was a Conductor on the 6,2,5 for years. He also was a platform Conductor on 59 street.