Will “Railroad Switchman” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔
83% Chance of Automation
“Railroad Switchman” 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…
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators
- Transportation Specialist
- Trains Service Conductor
- Trainman
- Terminal Carman
- Switch Foreman
- Railroad Switchman
- Railroad Brakeman
- Locomotive Switch Operator
- Carman
- Brakeman
- Yard Switch Operator
- Yard Person
- Yard Coupler
- Yard Brakeman
- Tub Rider
- Trip Rider
- Train Crew Member
- Train Braker
- Train Brakeman
- Train Brake Operator
- Trailer
- Track Supervisor
- Track Helper
- Switchman
- Switching Operator
- Switch Tender
- Switch Operator
- Switch Coupler
- Swamper
- Snapper
- Skatesman
- Skates Operator
- Signal Person
- Set Rider
- Rope Rider
- Road Freight Brake Coupler
- Rider
- Railway Switchman
- Railway Switch Operator
- Railroad Yard Worker
- Railroad Signal Operator
- Railroad Signal and Switch Operator
- Railroad Carman
- Railroad Brake Operator
- Railcar Switchman
- Railcar Foreman
- Railcar Brake Operator
- Patcher
- Passenger Train Braker
- Passenger Brakeman
- Nipper
- Narrow Gauge Brakeman
- Motor Brakeman
- Locomotive Operator Helper
- Locomotive Engineer
- Lineman Apprentice
- Headman
- Gang Rider
- Freight Conductor
- Freight Brakeman
- Freight Brake Operator
- Flagman
- Flagger
- Enginehouse Brakeman
- Engineer
- Dukey Rider
- Dinkey Brakeman
- Coupler
- Conductor
- Car Shunter
- Car Shifter
- Car Runner
- Car Rider
- Car Hopper
- Car Coupler
- Brake Rider
- Brake Holder
- Air Hose Coupler
- Air Brake Operator
Tasks for “Railroad Switchman”
- Watch for and relay traffic signals to start and stop cars during shunting.
- Raise levers to couple and uncouple cars for makeup and breakup of trains.
- Provide passengers with assistance entering and exiting trains.
- Observe signals from other crew members so that work activities can be coordinated.
- Adjust controls to regulate air-conditioning, heating, and lighting on trains for comfort of passengers.
- Monitor oil, air, and steam pressure gauges, and make sure water levels are adequate.
- Refuel and lubricate engines.
- 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.
- Climb ladders to tops of cars to set brakes.
- Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.
- Answer questions from passengers concerning train rules, stations, and timetable information.
- Receive oral or written instructions from yardmasters or yard conductors indicating track assignments and cars to be switched.
- 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.
- 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.
- Connect air hoses to cars, using wrenches.
- Operate and drive locomotives, diesel switch engines, dinkey engines, flatcars, and railcars in train yards and at industrial sites.
- Pull or push track switches to reroute cars.
Related Technology & Tools
- Hand brakes
- Derailers
- Steel-toes boots
- Signal flares
- Mobile scaffolding
- Safety gloves
- Buffer stops
- Equipment couplers
- Ground throw switches
- Safety air horns
- Electric freight engines
- Dinky engines
- Dock boards
- Specialty wrench sets
- Automatic track switching systems
- Switch handles
- Protective glasses
- Diesel freight engines
- Remote control locomotives
- Locomotive wheel chocks
- Railroad track switches
- Steam pressure gauges
- Mobile radios
- Air pressure gauges
- Oil pressure gauges
- Signaling lanterns
- Car pullers
- Diesel switch engines
- Signal flags
- Route mapping software
- Time tracking software
- Electronic train management systems ETMS
- Data entry software