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”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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