Will “Locomotive Operator Helper” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

83% Chance of Automation

“Locomotive Operator Helper” 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 “Locomotive Operator Helper”

Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
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.
Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
Inspect couplings, air hoses, journal boxes, and handbrakes to ensure that they are securely fastened and functioning properly.
Inspect tracks, cars, and engines for defects and to determine service needs, sending engines and cars for repairs as necessary.
Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
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.
Make minor repairs to couplings, air hoses, and journal boxes, using hand tools.
Refuel and lubricate engines.
Signal locomotive engineers to start or stop trains when coupling or uncoupling cars, using hand signals, lanterns, or radio communication.

Related Technology & Tools

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

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