Does Chicago Transit Authority pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Chicago Transit Authority employees rate their compensation and benefits as 3.9 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Chicago Transit Authority. This rating has improved by 3% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Chicago Transit Authority?

67% of Chicago Transit Authority employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Chicago Transit Authority 3.2 out of 5 for work life balance, 3.6 for culture and values and 3.9 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Chicago Transit Authority?

Bus Operator (62) , Intern (25) , Customer Service Assistant (13) , Customer Service Representative (9) , Manager (9) , Bus Driver (8) , Full Time Bus Operator (7) , Analyst (6) , CSA (6) , Car Repairman (6) , Coordinator (6) , Senior Manager (6) , CSA - Customer Service Associate (5) , Customer Service (5) , Flagger (5)

What are the pros of working at Chicago Transit Authority according to real employee reviews?

"Benefits are good and fair." ((in 48 reviews)); "Had good benefits decent pay union job with good coworkers ok pay raises when union settled a contract." ((in 10 reviews)); "Good work life balance." ((in 8 reviews)); "Pay (comparable salary)" ((in 8 reviews)); "Great team to work with." ((in 7 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Chicago Transit Authority according to real employee reviews?

"Bad management." ((in 31 reviews)); "Unions get away with anything they want and managers are afraid to hold employees accountable." ((in 11 reviews)); "Pension is great, but holds a person in golden handcuffs." ((in 10 reviews)); "Hours are long and they don't compensate you for all your time" ((in 8 reviews)); "I probably would've stayed if the dynamic between leadership and staff was better." ((in 7 reviews))

What are employees saying about Chicago Transit Authority redundancies in 2026?

Explore Glassdoor’s employee reviews to understand what current and former employees are saying about Chicago Transit Authority redundancy and their outlook for job security at Chicago Transit Authority in 2026.

Chicago Transit Authority Reviews

3.5

67% would recommend to a friend

(468 total reviews)

Nora Leerhsen

100% approve of CEO

40% positive business outlook

Chicago Transit Authority has an employee rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, based on 468 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have a good working experience there. The Chicago Transit Authority employee rating is in line with the average (within 1 standard deviation) for employers within the Transportation and logistics industry (3.5 stars).

Reviews by job title

468 reviews

5.0

18 May 2026

CTA Control Center

Rcsr/security controller

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Pays well. Work in office type setting. Working in controlled temperature 72 degrees year round.

Cons

Can be very stressful. Telephone rings non stop. Alot of emergency situations occurring.

2.0

1 Apr 2026

Valuable training but poor safety and work-life balance

Bus operator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Paid Training, Free CDL if you don’t have one before starting, learning to drive a larger vehicle, retirement and pension if you’re looking for something long term.

Cons

No safety mechanisms, no consistent schedule, no call offs without being reprimanded, no sick days, physical wear and tear and your body: back, knees, rotator cuffs, this job is not for women with small children unless you have a very good support system. CTA does not care about your children’s school schedule, graduation, doctors appointments or funeral. Pension is 13% of entire income. You can’t opt out even if you know you’re not going to retire. You risk your life and well being everyday with the public, you have to be careful if and how you defend yourself if necessary.

4.0

28 Jan 2026

Open world of opportunities

Full time bus operator

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

The money, stability and opportunities

Cons

The scheduling can be difficult

Viewing 1 - 3 of 468 Reviews

Jobs at Chicago Transit Authority

Customer Service Assistant

USD 99K - USD 101K /yr

(Employer provided)

View job

Community Liaison - RLE

Chicago, IL

·

USD 99K - USD 99K /yr

(Employer provided)

View job

Control Center Communications Coordinator

Communications Representative - RLE

Chicago, IL

·

USD 87K - USD 87K /yr

(Employer provided)

View job