Will “Track Layer” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

89% Chance of Automation

“Track Layer” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #528 out of #702, where higher means less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Lay, repair, and maintain track for standard or narrow-gauge railroad equipment used in regular railroad service or in plant yards, quarries, sand and gravel pits, and mines. Includes ballast cleaning machine operators and railroad bed tamping machine operators.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-4061.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 52,810.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 25.00
Currently, there are 14,250 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Track Layer”

String and attach wire-guidelines machine to rails so that tracks or rails can be aligned or leveled.
Repair or adjust track switches, using wrenches and replacement parts.
Push controls to close grasping devices on track or rail sections so that they can be raised or moved.
Spray ties, fishplates, or joints with oil to protect them from weathering.
Operate single- or multiple-head spike driving machines to drive spikes into ties and secure rails.
Engage mechanisms that lay tracks or rails to specified gauges.
Observe leveling indicator arms to verify levelness and alignment of tracks.
Drill holes through rails, tie plates, or fishplates for insertion of bolts or spikes, using power drills.
Lubricate machines, change oil, or fill hydraulic reservoirs to specified levels.
Drive vehicles that automatically move and lay tracks or rails over sections of track to be constructed, repaired, or maintained.
Grind ends of new or worn rails to attain smooth joints, using portable grinders.
Clean, grade, or level ballast on railroad tracks.
Operate tie-adzing machines to cut ties and permit insertion of fishplates that hold rails.
Operate single- or multiple-head spike pullers to pull old spikes from ties.
Clean or make minor repairs to machines or equipment.
Drive graders, tamping machines, brooms, or ballast spreading machines to redistribute gravel or ballast between rails.
Paint railroad signs, such as speed limits or gate-crossing warnings.
Patrol assigned track sections so that damaged or broken track can be located and reported.
Cut rails to specified lengths, using rail saws.
Turn wheels of machines, using lever controls, to adjust guidelines for track alignments or grades, following specifications.
Adjust controls of machines that spread, shape, raise, level, or align track, according to specifications.
Operate track-wrench machines to tighten or loosen bolts at joints that hold ends of rails together.
Weld sections of track together, such as switch points and frogs.
Clean tracks or clear ice or snow from tracks or switch boxes.
Dress and reshape worn or damaged railroad switch points or frogs, using portable power grinders.
Raise rails, using hydraulic jacks, to allow for tie removal and replacement.

Related Technology & Tools

Hi-rail vehicles
Oxyacetylene torches
Grading equipment
Claw bars
Crowbars
Rail-mounted cranes
Forklifts
Adjustable hand wrenches
Rail drills
Air purifying respirators
Precision files
Rail profile grinders
Light pickup trucks
Pneumatic hammers
Tamping machines
Portable track loading fixtures
Power washers
Backhoes
Track-wrench machines
Air-powered wrenches
Rail saws
Laptop computers
Rail benders
Vernier calipers
Welders
Global positioning system GPS receivers
Precision tape measures
Jackhammers
Shovels
Hydraulic jacks
Tracked bulldozers
Pesticide sprayers
Power grinders
Air drills
Dump trucks
Weed cutters
Handheld computers
Grease guns
Fall protection harnesses
Hard hats
Picks
Protective ear plugs
Safety gloves
Shielded arc welding tools
Spike pullers
Dollies
Rail tongs
Gas-powered wrenches
Track chisels
Safety glasses

Data entry software
Timekeeping software
Microsoft Excel