Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers

AI Risk Score41%Low Risk

The 41% risk score reflects the overall automation risk of your profession on a scale of 0–100. The higher the score, the more likely parts of your role could be handled by AI, increasing efficiency, but also raising the possibility of job disruption. Nearly all jobs include tasks that are automatable to some degree.

In this role, you operate or monitor railroad track switches or locomotive instruments. may couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. watch for and relay traffic signals. may inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes. may watch for dragging equipment or obstacles on rights-of-way. Your job is considered Low Risk for AI automation.

Below is your job's AI vulnerability profile with salary trends and employment data, plus detailed breakdowns of tasks, knowledge areas, skills, and abilities. Each item includes AI risk scores and importance ratings to help you prioritize what to focus on. Remember, look for tasks that you can automate in your job to make you more productive, while focus on developing the areas that AI cannot easily automate. Plus, explore the technology section to see what tools and software you'll likely encounter in this role and therefore can look for AI alternatives.

You're already ahead of the curve by checking your risk and exploring your options. This project goes beyond one role, we’re building a global job warning system to help everyone stay ahead of AI. By supporting our research, you’ll unlock your full job profile, including detailed risk breakdowns, trend alerts, and priority access to new research. Supporting our research not only gives you deeper insights into your own role, it helps us keep this project alive for millions of others navigating the future of work, but don't worry, if you are not ready to support us, we provide enough free insights to get you started.

In the meantime explore the sections below, and don't miss the What to do next? section for practical steps you can start today.

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On the job, you would

On-the-job activities and responsibilities that define your role. Each task is analyzed for automation potential and contributes to your overall AI risk assessment.

9/25
Monitor traffic signals.4.95Risk

Monitoring train signals could be automated with AI, but human verification remains important for safety and error-checking.

Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.4.79

This task requires real-time communication and coordination, which involves human judgment and adaptability, making full automation challenging.

Control equipment that regulates vehicle traffic.4.66Risk

While AI can control equipment, the physical act of pulling or pushing switches requires human intervention for safety and precision.

Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.4.65

Coordinating work activities through signals requires human interaction and judgment, which are difficult to automate fully.

Observe equipment in operation to detect potential problems.4.6

Monitoring trains for potential problems involves human observation and judgment, which are not easily replaced by AI.

Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.4.52

Inspecting equipment for secure fastening requires human sensory input and judgment, making it less automatable.

Monitor surroundings to detect potential hazards.4.5

Detecting track obstructions involves human observation and quick decision-making, which are challenging for AI to replicate.

Operate locomotives or other rail vehicles.4.47

Operating locomotives in emergencies requires human judgment and adaptability, which are difficult for AI to automate.

Install parts, assemblies, or attachments in transportation or material handling equipment.4.46

The physical task of coupling and uncoupling cars involves human dexterity and judgment, making full automation challenging.

Advanced Problem AnalysisRisk
Strategic Decision ImplementationRisk
Complex System OptimizationRisk

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Knowledge

Theoretical knowledge and understanding required for your position. Knowledge areas are evaluated for AI replacement likelihood and factor into your risk score.

7/13

Skills

Practical abilities and competencies you need to perform your job effectively. Skills are assessed for automation vulnerability and help determine your AI risk level.

9/25

Abilities

Innate and learned capabilities that enable you to succeed in your role. Abilities are analyzed for AI replication potential and contribute to your overall risk assessment.

9/49

Technology Used

Tools, software, and technological systems you use in your work.

3/6
Data base user interface and query software
Expert system software
Spreadsheet software
Advanced AI Tools
Machine Learning Platforms
Predictive Analytics Software

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Expert Insights

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Expert comments on the job, click on the expert to see their answers.

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What to do next?

Great news — your role is fairly safe for now, but it's smart to stay proactive. Choose your strategy below:

Recommended for Low Risk:

  • • Upskill: Focus on human-centric skills that AI can't easily replicate (creativity, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking)
  • • Use AI: Learn to leverage AI tools to enhance your productivity and stay ahead of the curve
  • • Stay Alert: Monitor changes in your field to maintain your competitive advantage

Each tab contains curated resources designed to help you take the next step. More resources will be added over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Based on our analysis, a this role has a 41% AI risk score, which is considered low risk. While some tasks in this role may be automated, the profession as a whole is for now, relatively safe from complete replacement. The key is understanding which specific aspects of your job are most vulnerable, some of which are shown on this page.

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