Careers at CTA

We connect people, places & communities

Chicago Transit Authority employees keep Chicago and 35 suburbs moving every day. This would not be possible without our skilled and dedicated workforce. Learn what qualities make a great CTA employee and find a career opportunity that matches your professional skill set and interests.

Now hiring Full-Time Bus Operators

with new hourly rates and incentives!

CTA new bus operator hires receive a $1,000 hiring bonus! Bus operators are also eligible for up to $3,000 in additional incentives.

Starting hourly pay: $28.99
Top pay of $38.66 at 33 months
Paid training, including CDL if needed
Medical, dental, and vision plans
401(k), 457, and pension options
Paid time off
Free transit on CTA and Pace

Learn more and apply

See postings & apply

Important Note: Before applying, all applicants should read the information below regarding CTA's COVID-19 vaccine policy and safety measures in place for in-person interviews.

Job postings for new candidates/former employees If you are not currently employed at the CTA, start here. Job postings for current CTA employees Current employees must use this link to be considered based on seniority for positions where seniority is reviewed.

Technical support

Call 1-888-YOUR-CTA (1-888-968-7282) and choose option 4 for Human Resources or e-mail ctarecruitmentissues@transitchicago.com.

Accommodations for applicants

The CTA complies with all federal and state laws forbidding discrimination and will attempt to provide a reasonable accommodation to otherwise qualified individuals to enable them to perform the essential functions of the job. CTA will make reasonable accommodations for the known disabilities of otherwise qualified applicants for employment as well as its employees, unless undue hardship would result. If you require an accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact arc@transitchicago.com prior to the submission of your application or upon notification of your actual test date. CTA will work with you to determine if an accommodation can be provided.

Tips and frequently asked questions

You can always check the status of your application. Learn how.
For more information on job postings and the hiring process, see our frequently asked questions.

Our culture We believe the best way to accomplish our mission is to cultivate a diverse workforce that values being courteous, innovative, motivated, professional, reliable and results-oriented. Employee benefits CTA provides a variety of benefits for an employee’s family, now and in the future. Postings and hiring process questions Find frequently asked questions and answers regarding job postings and the hiring process. Upcoming job opportunities See a list of upcoming job opportunities at CTA.

We keep the city moving Our employees are part of six major lines of business: Maintenance, Infrastructure, Administration, Operations, Law, and Technology. Hiring initiatives We offer a variety of ongoing hiring initiatives and programs to start your career with the CTA. Application status questions Find frequently asked questions and answers regarding job application status. CTA statutory service area and map (PDF) Exempt (non-bargained for) employees must live within the boundaries of the service area at the time of employment or within 6 months of beginning employment at CTA.

We’re an equal opportunity employer

The Chicago Transit Authority is a progressive and open-minded organization. If you are smart, innovative and committed, then come as you are. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

Employment decisions at CTA are based on operational business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity, and pregnancy), religion, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, and genetic information, as well as reprisal for protected activity.

If you are an individual with a disability and you need an accommodation, please email us for assistance, or contact us by calling 312-681-2225, option 6. Please be certain to indicate the specific assistance you require. If you are an applicant requesting a religious accommodation for the employment application or pre-hire process, please email the Equal Employment Opportunity Unit at EEODiversity@transitchicago.com.

See our EEO page for more information on our EEO Unit and our complete EEO policy.

COVID-19 information for applicants (must read)

Vaccination policy

Note to All Applicants: The CTA requires all employees to be COVID-19 vaccinated. If you are offered employment, proof of COVID-19 vaccination will be required as a condition of employment, and as part of the hiring process. To be considered fully vaccinated, you will need to meet the standards established by the Centers for Disease Control and Communication (CDC):

Currently, you will be considered fully vaccinated once you have received the required COVID-19 vaccine dosage as established by the respective manufacturer and as approved by the CDC. As reference, and given current COVID-19 vaccine standards:
- Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dosage to be considered fully vaccinated;
- Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two dosages to be considered fully vaccinated.
The CTA will follow CDC guidelines to determine what qualifies as a fully vaccinated individual.

Please note that your fully vaccinated date must be dated at least 14 days prior to your new employee orientation date with the CTA.

A CTA human resources representative will request your proof of COVID-19 vaccination prior to your start date. Please note that the CTA may also validate your proof of vaccination as part of the employment verification process at a later date. If your proof of COVID-19 vaccination is found to be falsified or fraudulent (i.e. name falsification, date alterations, vaccination administration falsification), the CTA may issue discipline and/or terminate employment. Furthermore, falsifying proof of a COVID-19 vaccination card and submitting the falsified card as vaccination proof may be a crime and the CTA will report this action to the proper authorities as required.

If you have any questions or require a COVID-19 vaccine medical accommodation, please email ARC@transitchicago.com or contact us by calling 312-681-2225, option 6. Please be certain to indicate the specific assistance you require. If you are an applicant requesting a COVID-19 vaccine religious accommodation or other, please email the Equal Employment Opportunity Unit at EEODiversity@transitchicago.com.

Safety measures for in-person interviews

The CTA cares about the safety of its guests and follows the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) regarding COVID-19 safety recommendations.

Currently, the CTA is conducting candidate temperature readings when entering a CTA work facility. Please note that individuals who have a reading of 100.4 degrees or higher will be required to leave the property. Also, individuals entering a CTA facility must adhere to social distancing and properly wear a facial covering/mask at all times.

Additionally, anyone who is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should stay home or seek medical treatment.

For additional information regarding the recruitment process or if you wish to request an appointment be rescheduled or cancelled, please contact your recruiter. Please also log-on to your account for the latest updates on your application status.

Please visit the following CDC and CDPH websites for more information regarding COVID-19 related information and services: