Will “Dukey Rider” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Dukey Rider” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #458 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate railroad track switches. Couple or uncouple rolling stock to make up or break up trains. Signal engineers by hand or flagging. May inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and hand brakes.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 53-4021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 55,320.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 26.00
Currently, there are 19,860 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Dukey Rider”

Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
Set flares, flags, lanterns, or torpedoes in front and at rear of trains during emergency stops to warn oncoming trains.
Ride atop cars that have been shunted, and turn handwheels to control speeds or stop cars at specified positions.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.

Related Technology & Tools

Steam pressure gauges
Derailers
Dinky engines
Electric freight engines
Dock boards
Diesel switch engines
Diesel freight engines
Automatic track switching systems
Oil pressure gauges
Buffer stops
Ground throw switches
Signal flags
Railroad track switches
Steel-toes boots
Mobile scaffolding
Mobile radios
Safety air horns
Locomotive wheel chocks
Car pullers
Protective glasses
Switch handles
Safety gloves
Remote control locomotives
Signal flares
Air pressure gauges
Specialty wrench sets
Equipment couplers
Signaling lanterns
Hand brakes

Route mapping software
Data entry software
Time tracking software
Electronic train management systems ETMS